{"id":60973,"date":"2002-12-02T15:21:49","date_gmt":"2002-12-02T20:21:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=60973"},"modified":"2025-12-02T15:27:14","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T20:27:14","slug":"the-bond-by-janice-sagraves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=60973","title":{"rendered":"The Bond (by Janice Sagraves)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 It a story of survival during a flashflood.
\nRating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 14535 words<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

The Brandsters acknowledge that the authors are the owners of their stories.\u00a0 Should an author included in this project reach out to us and indicate they do not wish their work to be archived in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library, we will remove their stories.\u00a0 We would also be happy to change contact information for any authors who wish to continue to have their stories archived in the Library.<\/p>\n

\n

The Bond<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\nChapter 1<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It sounded like a thousand trains were bearing down on him as he drove through the thickly wooded pass.\u00a0 And Adam Cartwright knew what he heard.\u00a0 And he knew what\u2019d happen if he didn\u2019t get the heavy wagon out of the deep draw before it got there.\u00a0 He\u2019d seen the aftermath of what was now about to overtake him, and he didn\u2019t care for the prospect of getting caught in it.\u00a0 But judging by the growing roar he may have already run out of time.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was glad his younger brother had gone to Virginia City with him for supplies, even though he knew it\u2019d been an excuse to see Penny Chapman and not out of any brotherly need to be helpful.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe had been wooing the golden-haired eighteen-year-old for nearly six months now.\u00a0 He\u2019d never shown much interest until he realized at the Christmas party what a beauty she\u2019d blossomed into.\u00a0 Then he\u2019d set his sights squarely on her.\u00a0 It always amused Adam to watch his younger brother behave like a bird dog after a quail.\u00a0 That is, until his work started to ail for it, then it got serious.\u00a0 And it\u2019d been at stage for almost five months now.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Heated verbal battles had nearly become a constant between them.\u00a0 Once or twice Adam thought his little brother was going to hit him.\u00a0 But things hadn\u2019t come to blows yet, and maybe they\u2019d iron themselves out before it got that far.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A skew in front of Layton\u2019s Mercantile had precipitated the separation now.\u00a0 Adam could still hear Joe\u2019s biting words, but he\u2019d grown a thick skin, for the most part, against his little brother\u2019s tirades.\u00a0 It\u2019s not to say they didn\u2019t sting, but he knew the kid well enough not to take it too seriously.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe, silent and sullen, had stayed with him the whole way out of town, gradually increasing the distance between them as they went.\u00a0 Adam had lost sight of the wiry piebald as it disappeared around the bend in the road, where it\u2019d climbed, taking Joe out of danger\u2019s path.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

For once, Adam was grateful for an argument with his little brother.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

His pulse raced as his dark hazel eyes continually darted to the right.\u00a0 His stomach churned into a hard ball that threatened to stifle his lungs.\u00a0 He slapped the reins against the horse\u2019s backs in an effort to get them moving faster.\u00a0 But pulling the heavily-loaded, bulky wagon up an incline he knew they were doing the best they could.\u00a0 He just didn\u2019t expect their best to be good enough.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe Cartwright was so mad he could spit nails.\u00a0 He was, after all, almost twenty.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Why couldn\u2019t Adam understand, or even try to understand, anything he did?\u00a0 Why did he have to spoil everything?\u00a0 And why did the think Joe had to do everything by\u00a0his<\/em>\u00a0rules?\u00a0 Sure, his work had fallen off a little, but it wasn\u2019t anything Adam and Hoss couldn\u2019t handle.\u00a0 And what harm could it do, as long as Pa didn\u2019t find out? \u00a0And Adam obviously hadn\u2019t told him yet.\u00a0 Well, it didn\u2019t matter anyway.\u00a0 It was none of Adam\u2019s business how he went about courting Penny Chapman.\u00a0 In fact, he was going to take her to the dance on Saturday night.\u00a0 And Adam had nothing to say about it.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019d been such a wonderful time, sitting in the front porch swing with Penny, listening to her sparkling laughter.\u00a0 He\u2019d garnered her promise to go to the dance with him and had left her walking on air.\u00a0 Then he\u2019d met Adam at the store and the inquisition started.\u00a0 Why couldn\u2019t he do his wooing on his own time?\u00a0 Maybe he should tell Pa on his little brother instead of covering for him.\u00a0 And so it went, on and on until Joe had raised his hand to him.\u00a0 He\u2019d come close to busting Adam one and now he wished he had.\u00a0 But Pa would ask about mashed noses and black eyes when he got home, so Joe had thought better of it.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe groaned to himself, his fingers tightening on the reins.\u00a0 The day had started out sunny and blue-skied, but was quickly turning dark and ugly, just like he felt.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes I can almost hate you, older brother,\u201d he said with another groan.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, in his angry snit, he became aware of a deep rumbling as he cleared the trees past the bend in the road.\u00a0 Almost instantly and ominously he knew the sound that assailed his hearing.\u00a0 And he knew his brother was more than likely going to get caught in it.\u00a0 His ire evaporated.\u00a0 Adam needed him, though he wasn\u2019t sure he could do anything, but he had to try; if it wasn\u2019t too late already.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go Cooch!\u00a0 Adam needs help!\u201d Joe said, bringing the horse\u2019s head around.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He kicked the animal into a gallop and clung to his back as if glued to it.\u00a0 Hooves beat the ground like mallets as the paint raced back along the pine-framed road.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The noise had grown so loud as to be almost deafening to nearly swamp all thought.\u00a0 The young man\u2019s breath was coming well-nigh as fast as his horse\u2019s as they rounded the curve.\u00a0 Why did he tell Adam he wished he\u2019d just go away?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

What Joe saw next sent spasms of horror shooting through him.\u00a0 A great tide of water, like some enormous brown beast, overtook the cumbersome wagon and team and the lone figure in black.\u00a0 The last look from his eldest brother had been as if to say good-bye.\u00a0 Then he was gone.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cochise danced in nervous circles as Joe fought to restrain him.\u00a0 His own heart beat so hard and fast that it made his chest hurt.\u00a0 The dirty deluge went on unhindered, spreading out and leaving desolation in its wake.\u00a0 The grumble lessened as the churning water dissipated along its way.\u00a0 Young trees, grown since the last runoff, were uprooted, rocks tumbled.\u00a0 But there was no sign of the wagon, the horses, or Adam.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cochise\u2019s tense prancing lessened as things began to settle and Joe patted his satiny neck.\u00a0 He stood in the saddle, his brown eyes searching, trying to cover every square inch of the torrent\u2019s path.\u00a0 \u201cAdam!\u201d he called, a quaver slipping into his already shaken voice.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, answer me!\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

But he only got back thunderous silence, the kind that almost hurts one\u2019s ears.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat back in the saddle with a hard thump.\u00a0 His brother couldn\u2019t be gone; he just couldn\u2019t be so quickly.\u00a0 Moments earlier he\u2019d been winding his way through the pass.\u00a0 Now it seemed that the Cartwright family would be going to a funeral instead of a dance.\u00a0 \u201cStop it,\u201d Joe berated himself.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He wanted to cry, to hit something, to yell at somebody.\u00a0 But there wasn\u2019t time.\u00a0 Now, on the off chance that Adam could still be alive, he had to start searching.\u00a0 He raised his red-rimmed eyes to the gunmetal-gray sky, the threat of more rain in the mountains hanging over him.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe couldn\u2019t feel anything anymore.\u00a0 He\u2019d become numb from what he\u2019d just witnessed.\u00a0 He feared if he found him at all, he\u2019d find Adam\u2019s crumpled and broken body where it\u2019d been tossed like a rag doll a child had tired of; limp and lifeless.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Carefully, he started Cochise down the decline along the trail of destruction, taking in everything.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Occasionally, the horse\u2019s feet would slide on the turbid ground, but Joe kept Cochise under steady check.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He gradually began coming across pieces of the wagon and its cargo; bits of planking, splintered spokes and wheel rims, grain sacks, hoops from nail kegs, and the seat smashed and twisted against an embedded rock.\u00a0 But nothing that was or ever had been alive.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Then, from off to the right, he saw movement.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s excitement ran off with him.\u00a0 Adam!\u00a0 He vaulted from Cochise, picking his way through the heavy mud.\u00a0 His spirits sank; it was one of the horses mired in the thick muck that pulled at everything, trying to get up.\u00a0 \u201cWhoa, whoa.\u00a0 Easy, boy,\u201d Joe soothed as he crouched next to it, its eyes wide and bulging.\u00a0 \u201cEasy.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe ran his hand gently along the horse\u2019s mud-coated neck and onto it withers.\u00a0 So far to poor creature seemed to only be stuck.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Adam, fella?\u00a0 Hum?\u00a0 Where the big man that was with you?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was talking as much to alleviate his own fear as the animal\u2019s.\u00a0 He knew he was wasting time Adam might not have, but he couldn\u2019t leave the horse to suffer.\u00a0 Adam would be the first to tell him so.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He ran his hands along the left fore leg until it came to the cannon bone right below the knee.\u00a0 Working it back and forth, he felt the grating of bone against bone.\u00a0 He patted the animal again and made soothing sounds.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He wiped his gun hand on his britches as he stood.\u00a0 His expression tightened as he removed the leather loop from the hammer of his pistol.\u00a0 \u201cSorry, fella,\u201d he said with a catch.\u00a0 \u201cBut it\u2019s better this way.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Snorting and grunting, the horse thrashed about in a vain attempt to free itself as Joe stepped in front of it.\u00a0 As it stopped, resting and panting, Joe aimed between its terrified eyes and squeezed the trigger.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The animal stopped moving as the report echoed through the draw and climbed its steep sides into the approaching storm.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Adam couldn\u2019t be sure he\u2019d heard anything.\u00a0 His mind, paralyzed by cold, tried to sort it out.\u00a0 His clothes clung to him as if they\u2019d been soaked in molasses.\u00a0 A clammy, grasping entity threatened to crawl into him and strangle, no, suffocate him.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t move, hadn\u2019t moved, in how long?\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know.\u00a0 Did he even care?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He tried to clear the haze, figure out what was going on.\u00a0 Think, Adam Cartwright, think.\u00a0 What\u2019d happened to him?\u00a0 Why was he lying here unable to move?\u00a0 What\u2019s more, where was he?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In a way he wanted to get up.\u00a0 And in a way he didn\u2019t care if he ever did again.\u00a0 Nothing hurt, leastways, not yet it didn\u2019t.\u00a0 But he had to get up, had to\u00a0try<\/em>\u00a0to get up.\u00a0 What was it Pa used to say when he and his brothers were younger?\u00a0 \u201cIf you don\u2019t try, son, you\u2019ll never know what you can accomplish.\u201d\u00a0 He could almost hear his father\u2019s rich voice saying the oft used phrase.\u00a0 Why did that come to him now?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

His thoughts began to reel.\u00a0 Brother, brother, brother.\u00a0 Joe!\u00a0 Had he made it?\u00a0 Made it out of what?\u00a0 He had to find Joe.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Carefully, he tried to work his hands in the slick slime that surrounded him but they kept sliding away.\u00a0 But he needed to push himself up enough to see where he was.\u00a0 He finally managed to get them under his chest and started to lever himself against the ground.\u00a0 His arms wobbled, but he had to do this.\u00a0 He had to find Joe.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

No pain; push a little more, a little more.\u00a0 Suddenly, a sharp, stabbing agony ran down his back and into his boots.\u00a0 It sucked the wind out of him.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAaaaaahhhh!\u201d he screamed as he fell back into the ooze.\u00a0 That was definitely not a good idea.\u00a0 Now he\u2019d done it.\u00a0 Instead of feeling nothing his whole being began to shriek at him and it ran through nearly every inch of him, blurring his vision even more.\u00a0 Had anything ever hurt so badly?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The purest torture came with every quick, jagged breath.\u00a0 His chest thought to collapse each time his lungs filled.\u00a0 Would he ever see his family, his home again?\u00a0 \u201cPa, Hoss,\u201d he muttered into the mud.\u00a0 A quick, piercing pain ran through his right leg.\u00a0 \u201cJooooeeee!\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Joe reined in Cochise, standing in the saddle, trying to make out where it\u2019d come from.\u00a0 That\u00a0was<\/em>\u00a0Adam\u2019s voice.\u00a0 But the way sound echoed it could\u2019ve come from anywhere.\u00a0 He was going to have to rely on what he could see.\u00a0 But it was getting darker, and that didn\u2019t help.\u00a0 Adam was dressed all in and black and the mud was just as black, and that didn\u2019t help either.\u00a0 It\u2019d be a miracle if he found his brother.\u00a0 Leastways, before it was too late.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u00a0 Adam!\u201d\u00a0 His probing gaze missed nothing.\u00a0 How far away had it been?\u00a0 He kicked the paint lightly, easing father down the draw.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was in a race against time and he knew it.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to imagine what his life would be like without his older brother.\u00a0 Less confrontational, that was for sure.\u00a0 But who\u2019d keep him in line?\u00a0 And what would it do to Pa and Hoss.\u00a0 He shuddered at the notion.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

His brain was a quagmire of thoughts, most of which made no sense.\u00a0 His eyelids pinched together; how could he ever even\u00a0think<\/em>\u00a0that he could hate Adam?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d he called in complete frustration.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Murkiness was stealing in like a thief, maybe to rob Adam of his life.\u00a0 Make it impossible for Joe to find him before\u2026\u00a0 He tried to turn his thinking in another direction.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s alive,\u201d Joe said to himself.\u00a0 \u201cI\u00a0am<\/em>\u00a0gonna find him before it\u2019s too late.\u201d\u00a0 He fought off a sense of utter despair.\u00a0 \u201cI have to.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

But would he?\u00a0 He had to stop that; he had to believe that he was going to.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe called out again, but didn\u2019t get any answer.\u00a0 Not that he expected one, but he had to keep on trying.\u00a0 One thing Pa had never done was to rear a quitter.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cochise\u2019s metal\u2013shod hooves clicked against the stones scattered over the floor of the draw.\u00a0 Ominous charcoal clouds swirled and rolled furiously across the sky.\u00a0 Thunder had begun to bark like a pack of wild dogs.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Abruptly, Cochise shied, snorting and pulling at his bit.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa, Cooch, easy,\u201d Joe said, giving him a pat.\u00a0 \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe slowly dismounted but stayed close to Cochise, taking in the shattered landscape before him.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t make anything out; it all looked the same swathed in the overpowering sludge.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He started to look away from what he figured was just more wreckage when it moved.\u00a0 At any rate, he thought it\u2019d moved.\u00a0 He took a tentative step away from the pinto, then another.\u00a0 His pace quickened, as much as the grasping mud would let it, tugging and sucking at his boots.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

After the incident with the wagon horse, he tried not to let high hopes run away with him.\u00a0 But as he drew closer his pulse grew more rapid and his breath came faster.\u00a0 Adam, please let it be Adam.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Then he saw a hand, fingers, an arm outstretched.\u00a0 The ground squished as Joe dropped next to the motionless form.\u00a0 What lay before him, with the exception of the arm, hardly looked to be human.\u00a0 Joe quickly, but warily touched it.\u00a0 It was a man\u2019s back; the slimy, mud-saturated cloth of his shirt sticking to Joe\u2019s palm.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d he whispered, dreading not getting and answer.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He pressed down lightly and repeated his brother\u2019s name, a little more loudly this time.\u00a0 A weak, barely audible moan answered him.\u00a0 He immediately wanted to turn Adam over and hold him against any pain, the mud, death itself.\u00a0 But he hesitated.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know how badly off Adam was, and after what he\u2019d just come through, it couldn\u2019t be good.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, it\u2019s Joe.\u00a0 I\u2019m here brother.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The hand moved slightly.\u00a0 He was most assuredly alive, and a part of him had heard.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe gingerly checked along Adam\u2019s arms; nothing broken there.\u00a0 That was one thing in his favor.\u00a0 But his lower legs were twisted at odd angles; giving rise to Joe\u2019s suspicion that this wouldn\u2019t be the case here.\u00a0 He deftly felt along his brother\u2019s left leg.\u00a0 It was broken in two places; just below the knee and just above the ankle.\u00a0 Straightening it out as carefully as he could he then went to the right one.\u00a0 It was broken mid-calf.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took a deep, cleansing draught of the rain-laden air in an attempt to hold back the fright that was trying to trample him.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He felt along Adam\u2019s hips and spine and neck.\u00a0 Everything seemed to be all right here.\u00a0 But now Joe had to turn him over to see about his ribs.\u00a0 Delicately, he eased him onto his back, and nearly strangled on a gasp.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face was coated with the thick mud and his hair was matted with the stuff.\u00a0 If Joe hadn\u2019t known this was his brother he never would\u2019ve recognized him.\u00a0 Even Pa wouldn\u2019t have known his own son.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe had seen his brother in trouble before, but never anything like this.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He applied gentle pressure along Adam\u2019s ribcage and found, not surprisingly, that several were busted.\u00a0 Joe wondered if maybe there was other damage inside, but he had no way of finding out or doing anything about it if he did.\u00a0 His main concern right now was getting Adam home, and then sending someone for Doc Martin.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He wanted to clutch Adam to him, assure him that he wouldn\u2019t abandon him like he had in the pass.\u00a0 \u201cAdam.\u00a0 Adam, can you hear me?\u00a0 It\u2019s Joe.\u00a0 I\u2019m here now and I\u2019m gonna take care of you.\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna get you home.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

But he got no response.\u00a0 Only the rising and falling of his chest gave Joe any indication that is brother hadn\u2019t died.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Overhead things continued to grow more quarrelsome.\u00a0 Bright flashes streaked through the lowering clouds and the thunder had built to a crescendo.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe went back to his horse and led him down to Adam.\u00a0 He ground-tied him at his brother\u2019s feet, then took the canteen from the saddle horn.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He took a bandana from his back britches pocket and washed Adam\u2019s face and neck, gradually revealing the beloved brother he\u2019d come close to losing.\u00a0 And more frightening was the fact that he still could.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe started to give him a drink, but stopped.\u00a0 He looked in Adam\u2019s mouth and found the encroaching mud.\u00a0 With two fingers, he scooped it out then, washed out the kerchief as much as he could and used to clean out his mouth.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was stone-still.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t seem to be aware of what was happening to him.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe raised his head.\u00a0 Adam was cold and wet as a fish, and it sent an unrestrained shudder through him.\u00a0 He lifted the canteen and tilted it slightly, but Adam didn\u2019t know to drink and the water ran down the sides of his chin.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t remember feeling so helpless.\u00a0 It was if he were watching his brother die before him.\u00a0 Taking the canteen away, Joe let his own head drop and closed his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cPlease, Adam, please come back,\u201d he said dolefully.\u00a0 \u201cI\u00a0do<\/em>\u00a0need you. And I didn\u2019t mean what I said.\u00a0 It was stupid and hateful.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam thought he sensed a presence, someone there with him, holding him, maybe.\u00a0 It was hard work, but he managed to crack an eye open, then the other.\u00a0 It took a minute for the face bent over him to register.\u00a0 \u201cJoe?\u201d he croaked.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe gawked at him, almost in disbelief, and a lone tear ran unimpeded.\u00a0 \u201cAdam.\u201d\u00a0 He briefly looked to the sky and said a silent \u2018thank you\u2019.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got you, brother.\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna get you home,\u201d he said, trying to appear confident.\u00a0 He thought Adam winced.\u00a0 \u201cDoes it hurt much?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t\u2026 don\u2019t feel\u2026\u00a0 Too\u2026 Too cold.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Now Joe realized that Adam was shivering.\u00a0 If his injuries didn\u2019t take him the cold quite possibly would.\u00a0 And if it started to rain that would only make matters worse.\u00a0 Joe could only hope that it held off until they got back to the house.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tried again to give him some water.\u00a0 Adam managed a partial sip but the rest ran away.\u00a0 Joe put the stopper back and laid the canteen aside, but as he did, something rough and craggy brushed his sleeve.\u00a0 Joe turned his attention back to Adam\u2019s legs.\u00a0 What he found unsettled him: a narrow piece of splintered wood, possibly from a crate, was driven in the right thigh.\u00a0 Covered by the mud, Joe hadn\u2019t noticed it before.\u00a0 He also hadn\u2019t noticed that Adam\u2019s right boot was missing.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He wouldn\u2019t tell Adam about this new injury just now, he had enough to deal with in simply trying to stay alive.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He could worry about this new discovery later.\u00a0 Right now he had other, more pressing problems to worry about.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m gonna see if I can find something to splint your legs.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLegs?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Joe said, his insides bunching.\u00a0 You\u2019ve gone and broke \u2018em both.\u201d\u00a0 Joe was afraid that if he passed out again it could be for good.\u00a0 \u201cSo you keep talking to me.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Can\u2019t, Joe.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you can,\u201d he said firmly as he gently lowered Adam back into the clutches of the mud.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re a Cartwright, and Cartwright\u2019s don\u2019t quit.\u201d\u00a0 Joe pushed himself to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, Adam.\u00a0 Talk to me.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe wished for the pieces of woods he\u2019d found farther back.\u00a0 But he didn\u2019t want to get that far away from Adam.\u00a0 So whatever he found close by would have to do.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened, Joe?\u201d\u00a0 Adam was tired and talking only added to it.\u00a0 \u201cI was\u2026 driving\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s voice was so thin and unlike him it struck Joe to his core.\u00a0 \u201cYou got caught in a spring runoff.\u00a0 It washed down the draw and took you along for the ride.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A runoff?\u00a0 Some of the smoke was beginning to clear.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s forehead puckered in concentration.\u00a0 Had he been alone?\u00a0 No.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2026 What about\u2026 horses?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe felt like he\u2019d been punched.\u00a0 It was so like Adam to think of someone else, even an animal.\u00a0 Half-killed and he wanted to know about the horses.\u00a0 \u201cI only found one,\u201d he said, bending over to pick up a couple of uprooted saplings.\u00a0 The left fore was broke.\u00a0 I\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHad to shoot\u2026\u201d Adam\u2019s voice, growing even weaker, trailed off.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked around and saw that he was about to pass out again and rushed back to him.\u00a0 \u201cOh, know you don\u2019t,\u201d he said forcefully, lightly slapping Adam\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cYou stay awake.\u00a0 I can\u2019t get you home by myself, I\u2019m gonna need your help.\u00a0 You\u2019re gonna havta ride Cochise with me.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCochise?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Joe said airily, trying not to let his disquiet show.\u00a0 \u201cYou remember him.\u00a0 Pa traded a Sharps buffalo gun to Chief Winnemucca for him.\u201d\u00a0 He could see that Adam was slipping away from him.\u00a0 He began slapping him again.\u00a0 \u201cCome one, Adam, stay with me.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, stop\u2026 hitting me\u2026 in\u2026,\u201d Adam grated.\u00a0 He wished he could get a hold of his little brother.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve enough\u2026 problems\u2026 without\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe forced a grin.\u00a0 If Adam could complain then maybe there was a glimmer of hope.\u00a0 \u201cWell, you stay awake and I won\u2019t have to.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe started his search again.\u00a0 \u201cKeep talking, brother.\u00a0 What\u2019s that book you\u2019ve been reading lately?\u00a0 I haven\u2019t seen it before, have I?\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s interests lay in other directions, but books were near and dear to Adam, and a subject that he enjoyed.\u00a0 Joe had heard him talk about something new he was reading for hours.\u00a0 He smiled fondly at the recollection.\u00a0 \u201cTell me about it,\u201d he said just as his sight caught something.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Against a large rock was what looked to be the remains of a packing crate, nearly washed clean. \u00a0\u201cAdam!\u00a0 Tell me about it,\u201d he said, making his way to his find.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t want to be bothered, he just wanted to go to sleep and block out the misery.\u00a0 But he knew Joe wouldn\u2019t let him.\u00a0 \u201cNothing new\u2026.\u00a0 Tennison.\u201d\u00a0 Things were gradually starting to come back piecemeal.\u00a0 \u201cI was\u2026\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 His voice faded as comforting blackness closed in around him.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe quickly gathered the pieces and hurried back to him.\u00a0 Stooping and dropping them, he put his hand over Adam\u2019s heart; still beating but it was fighting hard to do so.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, don\u2019t do this,\u201d he said commandingly, jostling him.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you dare quit.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

But Adam laid there like a dead man.\u00a0 A sensation of complete futility rushed over Joe and he began really shaking him.\u00a0 Death couldn\u2019t win, he couldn\u2019t let it.\u00a0 \u201cAdam!\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes opened sluggishly, and Joe gave a nearly hysterical little giggle.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s better.\u201d\u00a0 Once he steadied some he went back to Cochise.\u00a0 \u201cNow, you were gonna tell me about that book.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t understand for the life of him why Joe cared.\u00a0 Life; was life leaving him?\u00a0 \u201cTennison\u2026.\u00a0 It\u2019s not\u2026,\u201d he rasped.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe thought he caught a hint of resignation.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s poetry, isn\u2019t it?\u201d he asked, taking his lariat from where it was tied to the saddle.\u00a0 \u201cTell me about it.\u201d\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t help wrinkling his nose.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t\u2026 It\u2019s\u2026 It\u2019s\u2026\u201d\u00a0 But Adam\u2019s eyes slid back as a paroxysm of pain ran through him.\u00a0 Oh, if only it wouldn\u2019t do that.\u00a0 The sharpness of it ran along the length of him; his fists grasping around handfuls of mud and his jaw clenching.\u00a0 He stiffened and fought against the nausea that swelled within him.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was instantly at his side, gripping Adam\u2019s muddy hand.\u00a0 He wanted to take the pain away, but there was nothing he could do but be there for his brother.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSick, Joe.\u201d\u00a0 The nausea rose into his throat and he couldn\u2019t hold it back anymore.\u00a0 He began to retch, and he thought it would crush him.\u00a0 Death would have been welcomed.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe carefully turned Adam onto his side and he vomited black mud, returning it to the earth.\u00a0 Water ran from his mouth and nose.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It tore into Joe\u2019s very soul, watching his brother endure the throes of such torment.\u00a0 \u201cRide it out, Adam.\u00a0 Ride it out,\u201d he said, trying to hold himself together, for Adam\u2019s sake, as well as his own.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam vomited again.\u00a0 It was like a hot knife twisting into him.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, I\u2026,\u201d but the rest of it died.\u00a0 Ebony waves crashed over him and his breathing came in excruciating gasps.\u00a0 Someone was saying his name from the end of a lengthening tunnel and he felt pressure on his right hand.\u00a0 Then the withering agony in his body fell away as he lapsed into wonderful oblivion.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

Chapter 2<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam slowly became aware that he was still alive.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t hurt so bad and the tension had gone from his hand.\u00a0 He tried to move but it didn\u2019t take long to find that this wasn\u2019t such a good idea.\u00a0 The first thing he saw was his brother looking down at him.\u00a0 \u201cJoe,\u201d he wheezed.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about time you woke up,\u201d Joe\u2019s voice wavered slightly.\u00a0 His attempt as sounding cheerful wasn\u2019t exactly working; he certainly didn\u2019t feel it.\u00a0 \u201cI was starting to think you were gonna sleep the rest of the day.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe used the kerchief to wipe the perspiration away from his brother\u2019s face.\u00a0 Adam was freezing, shivering even while unconscious, yet he was sweating.\u00a0 Joe didn\u2019t like this.\u00a0 Along with his injuries, was Adam getting sick?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He inspected the crude splints he\u2019d made from the scraps of wood, tied firmly in place by lengths of his lariat. \u00a0Now he had to do something about those ribs.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u00a0 Adam, I\u2019ve gotta set you up.\u00a0 You\u2019ve got some busted ribs.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This didn\u2019t surprise Adam one bit, even in his somewhat befuddled state.\u00a0 \u201cGo\u2026 ahead, Joe.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, here we go,\u201d he said and gingerly lifted Adam out of the mud that seemed reluctant to let him go again.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The cold had heightened the ache and Adam felt as if he were being torn apart.\u00a0 He bit into his lower lip and line of red rimmed his snowy teeth.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe crouched behind him and leaned Adam back against him.\u00a0 His brother\u2019s breathing was coming hard and fast and the pain had to be unbearable.\u00a0 But Adam had never been one to let that get in the way of what was necessary.\u00a0 \u201cYou all right?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAsk\u2026 me\u2026 later,\u201d Adam said between puffs with a brittle grin.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s smile didn\u2019t go all the way up.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll do that,\u201d he said, resting his cheek against the side of Adam\u2019s head, leaving a dirty smear.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A heartrending pang sank into him.\u00a0 This was his brother; the man, who\u2019d help to raise him, had given of himself whenever Joe needed him.\u00a0 A lament rattled through him.\u00a0 \u201cPlease, don\u2019t take my brother,\u201d he begged quietly.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He retrieved what was left of his rope and wound it around Adam, pinning his upper arms close to his torso and knotting it firmly in front.\u00a0 A quick intake of air whistled through Adam\u2019s gritted teeth.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe began to shuck out of his jacket.\u00a0 As he shifted his grasp Adam slipped away from him, hitting the ground sideways with a dull grunt.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It felt as if every one of his ribs had poked out through his skin and it thought to asphyxiate him.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was sick; he\u2019d dropped him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam.\u00a0 My hands just slid off.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam patted him.\u00a0 \u201cAll right\u2026.\u00a0 Now I\u2026 know how\u2026 greased pig feels.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Any other time it would\u2019ve been funny, but Joe had caused him pain unnecessarily, and he hated it.\u00a0 Being extra careful this time, Joe sat him up and draped the coat around him, fastening the top two buttons.\u00a0 \u201cNow we\u2019ve gotta get you onto Cochise,\u201d Joe said, taking in the suddenly huge horse.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYippee,\u201d Adam said lifelessly as his head lolled back against Joe.\u00a0 He was seriously trying not to faint again, but he was aware enough to know that getting on a horse wasn\u2019t going to be any picnic.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The cold had really set in, and Adam\u2019s speech was rough from shivering so hard.\u00a0 Joe worried that he needed to get him warm, but he couldn\u2019t do anything about it right now.\u00a0 If only the rain would hold off.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to let me do most of the work.\u00a0 Don\u2019t try to help,\u201d Joe said as he enclosed his arms around his brother\u2019s shoulders.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo trouble,\u201d Adam said with a snort.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve been\u2026 doing\u2026 yours\u2026 five months.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A spontaneous burst of anger surged through Joe; he was alert enough to remember that.\u00a0 \u201cAren\u2019t you ever gonna let that go?\u201d he asked harshly.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you?\u201d Adam returned listlessly.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The answer to the question was, no.\u00a0 And now he felt bad for losing his temper.\u00a0 Adam was badly injured, mortally for all he knew, and this wasn\u2019t the time to get mad at him.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to go through life remembering that the last moments they\u2019d had together were bitter.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam, I\u2026\u201d but he realized that Adam wasn\u2019t worrying about it.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe dreaded this, and he knew the best way was all at once.\u00a0 He eased him forward then, with all the strength he could muster, he braced himself behind Adam and pushed.\u00a0 The slick ground kept moving away from him, but Joe wouldn\u2019t quit.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Everything gave out at once and Adam fell back against Joe with a cry he didn\u2019t try to curb.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe got the reins as he moved Adam forward against the saddle.\u00a0 He was sagging in Joe\u2019s grip, and he knew if he didn\u2019t get Adam on the horse now, he never would.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d\u00a0 Joe gave him a shake.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, put your foot in the stirrup.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s mind was clouded as he tried raising his right leg.\u00a0 Then Joe was telling him it was the other leg, the other leg.\u00a0 So he tried raising it too.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe had all he could do as he tried holding Adam upright, controlling Cochise and getting his brother\u2019s left foot into the stirrup at the same time.\u00a0 He grabbed Adam\u2019s belt as he lifted his right leg then pushed it over Cochise\u2019s rump and settled him into the saddle.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam lurched forward against the pommel then swayed back.\u00a0 \u201cOh, no, you don\u2019t,\u201d Joe said, pushing him forward.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe brought Adam\u2019s foot out then, then put his own foot in the stirrup and swung up behind the cantle.\u00a0 But sitting on the back of the horse like he was, Joe would have to ride with the security they afforded.\u00a0 It would make things difficult, but it couldn\u2019t be helped.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cochise sidled under the accustomed weight.\u00a0 Adam flopped back against his brother; nearly knocking him off, Joe quickly grasped the horn and held on.\u00a0 Scooting closer to the cantle, he took the reins in his right hand and put his other arm around Adam\u2019s waist.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStill\u2026 there, Joe?\u201d Adam asked faintly.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStill here, brother,\u201d Joe said as he pulled Adam close against him.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam still shivered, though maybe not as hard, and his breathing was becoming shallower.\u00a0 Joe didn\u2019t know if this was bad, good or in between, he could only pray that his brother survived this.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nudged the pinto in the sides and they started on down the draw, the horse stepping cautiously among the wet stones and other flotsam.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head rolled against Joe with the horse\u2019s gentle motion, but it didn\u2019t seem to disturb him.\u00a0 Joe could feel his breathing; slow and easy.\u00a0 Maybe it was a little too easy.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe found himself wishing he was riding Hoss\u2019 Chubb.\u00a0 The bigger, sturdier Morgan would pay no attention to Joe and Adam.\u00a0 Or even Adam\u2019s own Sport, sleek and larger than the paint.\u00a0 And then there was Buck, Pa\u2019s rugged buckskin.\u00a0 But Cochise, as the smallest of the family\u2019s mounts, would require more rest stops, taking away valuable time.\u00a0 That\u2019s how it was, though.\u00a0 Without the horse they wouldn\u2019t make it at all.\u00a0 Adam wouldn\u2019t make it.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cochise finally came to the bottom where the terrain evened out.\u00a0 Joe wanted to open him into a gallop, but the hard jarring wouldn\u2019t do Adam any good and the horse would tire that much faster.\u00a0 Not to mention probably unseating himself.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe reined in, Cochise champing at his bit, and looked around him.\u00a0 They were away from the road they\u2019d been on, and this way would take longer.\u00a0 They\u00a0had\u00a0<\/em>to get back to the road.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Then he saw it, back off in the surrounding trees: the other horse.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t seem to be any the worse for wear, as far as he could tell.\u00a0 Right now, however, it wasn\u2019t a priority.\u00a0 Someone could look for it later if it didn\u2019t come home on its own.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

With a single light tug and a gentle pressure from his knees the horse geed into a walk.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The weather continued to menace them.\u00a0 The wind had picked up and was making its presence known.\u00a0 It was fairly warm, but against Adam\u2019s already wet clothes it could chill him further.\u00a0 Joe hoped his own body heat and the warmth generated by the horse would be enough.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cochise ambled on for maybe twenty or so minutes until they came to an embankment that led up to the road.\u00a0 Joe stopped him and eyed the situation.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t so awful steep, and if the horse were only carrying Joe, it\u2019d be no problem at all.\u00a0 But with Adam\u2019s inert weight in the saddle and Joe on his rump, things could get a little tricky.\u00a0 And Joe knew he couldn\u2019t get down and lead Cochise, because without Joe to hang onto him, Adam would come off for sure.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Stop worrying about it, boy, and get it done,\u00a0<\/em>Joe had heard both his brothers say to him.\u00a0 He tightened his hold around Adam, got a good grip on the horn and clenched his thighs against the horse\u2019s sides.\u00a0 \u201cAll right, Cooch, let\u2019s get it done,\u201d he said, prodding him on.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cochise started to climb, his hooves and powerful legs picking their way.\u00a0 Now and then a rock would get kicked loose and roll to the bottom.\u00a0 The little calico fought for each purchase of a hoof.\u00a0 Joe held his brother securely and his fingers ached from their hold on the horn.\u00a0 All he needed was to slide off and take Adam with him.\u00a0 While the fall probably wouldn\u2019t do him much harm, it would most likely finish Adam.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam moaned lightly as the horse scrambled back onto the road, giving him a hard jerk.\u00a0 The animal was winded, so Joe decided to wait here while he settled down.\u00a0 And Adam needed some water, he\u2019d hardly had any since before they left town.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe got the canteen and, bracing it against himself, unstopped it.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Joe said, giving him a jiggle.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, you need some water.\u201d\u00a0 Joe didn\u2019t like disturbing him, he needed the rest, but he also needed to drink.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, wake up.\u201d\u00a0 He gave him a firmer shake.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh, what?\u201d Adam mumbled half out of it.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A couple small swallows were enough for now; after being nauseated earlier, too much could only aggravate things.\u00a0 Joe stopped the canteen and hung it back around the horn; he could wait.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re back on the road,\u201d Joe said as he worked his hand inside the coat, placing it over Adam\u2019s heart.\u00a0 His brows drew down; it wasn\u2019t as strong as he thought it should be.\u00a0 But he was grateful that it was beating at all, after what Adam had been through.\u00a0 He did seem warmer, however, and the shivering had stopped.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll be home before long.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHome,\u201d Adam murmured.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, home.\u00a0 Pa can\u2026\u201d\u00a0 But Joe cut himself off.\u00a0 Pa wasn\u2019t there.\u00a0 Neither was Hoss or Hop Sing.\u00a0 So caught up in what had happened and his worry for Adam, Joe had forgotten that they wouldn\u2019t be back from the trail drive for another day or two, possibly longer.\u00a0 And that meant most of the hands were with them.\u00a0 There wouldn\u2019t be anyone there to send for the doctor, and he couldn\u2019t very well leave Adam alone while he went.\u00a0 And he couldn\u2019t rely on someone conveniently stopping by.\u00a0 He was definitely on his own.\u00a0 His brother\u2019s life rested right on him, and it was an uncomfortable place to be in.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He fixed the coat around Adam and held him just a little closer.\u00a0 Joe remembered his brother\u2019s strong arms holding him in their protective circle many times in the past.\u00a0 How, as a small boy, Adam had comforted him when he was hurt or frightened or sick.\u00a0 Now it was Joe\u2019s turn to do the same for him.\u00a0 It gave him a measure of satisfaction to feel his brother against him; to be the protector for a change.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe blinked hard and brought himself back to the present.\u00a0 The horse was rested so they\u2019d better get started.\u00a0 Joe feared Adam was on borrowed time, and he had to do everything he could not to waste it.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He urged Cochise on with his legs and a click of his tongue.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe hadn\u2019t seen the sun\u2019s bright face since leaving Virginia City.\u00a0 The huge pines were twisting more as the wind continued to play its foreboding music in their boughs.\u00a0 But still the rain held off.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe knew it could go on like this for hours before the heavens would finally part.\u00a0 And he prayed it would do so now.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As they went on, their movement flushed a quail that flitted up near Cochise\u2019s head.\u00a0 The horse shied.\u00a0 Instinctively, Joe reacted, speaking calmly, and tightening his arm around his brother; a little\u00a0too<\/em>\u00a0tightly as Adam grunted.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, brother.\u00a0 But I didn\u2019t hurt you as bad as a fall would\u2019ve,\u201d Joe said as he relaxed his clasp.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cochise ambled on, his hooves tamping the hard-packed soil.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

They had a way to go yet, and most of Joe had begun to hurt.\u00a0 But for Adam, he\u2019d endure a lot more and be more than willing to do it.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t come out and said so since he was a child, but he loved Adam dearly.\u00a0 And he\u2019d make any sacrifice he had to in order to keep him alive.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The ground rose steadily and at this rate it didn\u2019t take long before Cochise was blowing hard.\u00a0 Joe pushed him a bit farther than he had before, but finally had to give in and stop, in Adam\u2019s interest as well as the animal\u2019s.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Like before, Joe decided to try to get more water into him.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want his brother becoming dehydrated.\u00a0 With all his problems, he didn\u2019t need any more, not even one.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, time for some more water,\u201d Joe said, taking the canteen.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, Adam.\u201d\u00a0 He shook him but nothing happened.\u00a0 Adam didn\u2019t move, he made no sound, he didn\u2019t do anything.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t even seem to be breathing anymore.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe went dead inside.\u00a0 \u201cAdam\u2026.\u00a0 Adam!\u201d\u00a0 He jostled him harder, but still he didn\u2019t wake up.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Adam, you can\u2019t\u2019ve.\u201d\u00a0 Frantically getting his hand inside the coat he was answered with a slow but steady thump.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe released the breath he\u2019d been holding as he hugged his brother with both arms and let his head drop.\u00a0 Relief washed over him with the spring wind.\u00a0 But then, something approaching outrage welled into him.\u00a0 He wanted to yell at Adam, make him wake up, make him live.\u00a0 Then just as quickly it was gone, leaving only concern for someone very dear.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe felt his forehead.\u00a0 Adam was hot, not burning up, but hotter than he should be.\u00a0 And he was hotter than he had been.\u00a0 \u201cI was afraid of this,\u201d Joe said flatly.\u00a0 There was that one problem Adam didn\u2019t need.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was growing desperate.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s life dangled by a slender thread that could snap as any second; his borrowed time was running out.\u00a0 Joe put the canteen back and started Cochise before he was ready.\u00a0 Rest had become a luxury that would have to wait.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, it soon leveled out and Cochise would have it easier.\u00a0 And they were getting closer to home.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

Chapter 3<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cochise came into the clearing.\u00a0 There it was: the house, ringed by pines and with the Sierra Nevadas as a back drop.\u00a0 The house that Adam had designed and helped their father to build, the house where Joe had done most of his growing, the house that echoed with love and laughter and even tragedy.\u00a0 But it was more than just a house; it was home, a haven.\u00a0 And Joe had to get Adam there.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re almost home,\u201d he said tiredly.\u00a0 \u201cAlmost.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

But Adam was still out of it and Joe doubted if he\u2019d been heard.\u00a0 No matter; home was within reach, and Adam would know when they got there.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe felt relief as they drew closer to the big, rough-hewn log dwelling.\u00a0 What would\u2019ve usually been about a half hour ride had taken over an hour.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam had moved little and Joe had left him alone, now and then making sure he was still among the living.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t tried to make him drink anymore, figuring the rest was more important at this point.\u00a0 There\u2019d be plenty of water later.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It seemed like forever before they came into the yard.\u00a0 And the closer they got to the house, the more pent-up Joe got.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, we\u2019re here.\u00a0\u00a0 We\u2019re home.\u00a0 Wake up,\u201d Joe said anxiously.\u00a0 \u201cDid you hear me?\u00a0 We\u2019re home.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He brought the horse as close to the front door as he could.\u00a0\u00a0 The shorter the distance he\u2019d have to get Adam inside, the better.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He joggled Adam, saying his name.\u00a0 But when he didn\u2019t wake Joe began slapping his face.\u00a0 \u201cWake up, Adam.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026 don\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, look,\u201d Joe said on a sigh.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

For the first time in he didn\u2019t know how long, Adam was aware.\u00a0 Not exactly lucid, but he\u00a0was<\/em>\u00a0aware to some extent.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Gradually coming out of his cave, he had to blink away the mist.\u00a0 He had trouble processing what he saw, but something instinctively told him where he was.\u00a0 \u201cHome,\u201d his voice was scratchy.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Joe said, shifting the reins to his other hand.\u00a0 \u201cWe made it.\u00a0 Now I\u2019ve gotta get you in.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe slid to the ground, and the minute he did, Adam began to pitch from the saddle.\u00a0 Catching him and teetering under the sudden weight, Joe eased him down and cradled him close.\u00a0 Adam was a big man and a real load, but Joe had no choice, he couldn\u2019t risk those broken legs again.\u00a0 He ground tied Cochise.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Fast as he was able, Joe crossed to the front door, fumbled with the latch, and then pushed it open.\u00a0 They were inside.\u00a0 The house had never looked so good, so welcoming.\u00a0 Joe called out in the hopes that someone might be there, but was answered only with silence.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe could feel his brother breathing against his neck and it assuaged some of his apprehension.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve gotta get you outta those clothes,\u201d he said half to himself.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Then an idea came to him.\u00a0 He laid Adam on the long rug just inside.\u00a0 He took his hat and gun belt off and put on the table behind the settee.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d he said, cupping his brother\u2019s chin.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, can you hear me?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The thick black lashes batted and he looked hazily at Joe, but appeared to have difficulty focusing.\u00a0 He tried to say something but drifted off again.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe began looking around him, trying to get straight in his mind what needed to be done.\u00a0 \u201cWhat now?\u201d he ruffled his unruly hair.\u00a0 His thoughts were racing, darting from one thing to the next like a honey bee from flower to flower.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Shoving the door together as he went, Joe hurried to the bureau.\u00a0 He took two blankets from the bottom of it then rushed to the settee.\u00a0 The first one he spread over it so that it fell over the back the second rested in the floor, and they overlapped across the seat.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next, he stoked the fire and added fresh kindling.\u00a0 But he froze and stared blankly at the poker, his fingers tightening on its wooden handle till the knuckles whitened.\u00a0 Then he abruptly thrust it back into the logs.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

With a sudden jerk, he rushed upstairs, taking two steps at a time, to Hoss\u2019 room.\u00a0 Shortly, he came down with one of his big nightshirts; the gray and blue checked one, Hoss\u2019 favorite.\u00a0 He was also bogged down with pillows he\u2019d scavenged from the beds.\u00a0 He dropped them onto the settee then draped the garment over the side of the low table closest to the fireplace.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe wanted to set for a few minutes and rest, but there simply wasn\u2019t time.\u00a0 With a fast look at Adam, he ran into the kitchen.\u00a0 He got a pan and filled it from the pump.\u00a0 Then he gathered an armful of towels from a cupboard and started to leave when he remembered that he needed one, no, two of Hop Sing\u2019s nice sharp knives.\u00a0 He went to the sideboard and yanked open the drawer where they were kept.\u00a0 His first choice had a large, wide blade, the second longer and more narrow.\u00a0 He stuck them in his belt, gathered the towels and hastened back to the parlor.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He put everything on the floor, including the knives, next to Adam.\u00a0 He was still out, and that was for the best.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe got the copper kettle that always sat inside the hearth, a continuous source of hot water.\u00a0 He poured a steady stream into the cold in the pan, constantly testing it.\u00a0 He wanted to take the edge off of it, but he didn\u2019t want it scalding.\u00a0 When he thought it was just right, he returned the kettle to its place and hurried right back.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Kneeling at Adam\u2019s side, he undid the coat, and then cut the rope holding his arms.\u00a0 They dropped with a thump at his sides, making Joe wince.\u00a0 But Adam didn\u2019t wake.\u00a0 Delicately, as if he could hurt him this way, Joe unbuttoned his brother\u2019s shirt and opened it back, exposing the broad chest.\u00a0 Starting at the right sleeve, he cut all the way up from the cuff and across the front.\u00a0 Then he did the same with the other side.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He raised Adam and pushed the remains of the shirt off of him and gave it a fling. \u00a0His skin was clammy and it sent a rush of fear through Joe.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s head rested trustingly against his little brother; his stern features relaxed and gentle.\u00a0 He spoke Adam\u2019s name under his breath and could feel a burning behind his eyes.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe closed the coat over its wet lining then laid Adam back down.\u00a0 Now his attention went to the britches; he had to get them off without hurting him.\u00a0 And then there was the matter of the boot.\u00a0 But with two broken legs and a piece of wood sticking in one, Joe was afraid he couldn\u2019t do this without doing harm.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He\u2019d put that off as long as he could.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t I try to get you cleaned up some?\u201d Joe said with a taut grin.\u00a0 \u201cPa\u2019d have something to say about one of his sons looking like this.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He put a towel into the water and squeezed it until it was only damp.\u00a0 It was like bathing a baby; helpless and totally dependant, and Joe handled him as gently as a mother would.\u00a0 \u201cBefore you know it you\u2019ll be presentable again,\u201d he said a vain attempt to be bright.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Then, as the grime came off, Joe\u2019s breath caught and he went completely motionless.\u00a0 A long purple-blue mark angled across Adam\u2019s ribcage from side-to-side.\u00a0 Something, a board or the wagon tongue, from the looks of it, had struck him.\u00a0 This certainly would account for the busted ribs.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t want to know what his brother had suffered, was suffering, or would suffer.\u00a0 He only wanted to do what he could to keep any more to a minimum.\u00a0 But one thing was a \u00a0certainty; what lay ahead would bring that suffering to new heights.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Putting himself back together, he washed his brother\u2019s long arms with their fine hands and tapered fingers.\u00a0 Joe remembered when those same strong hands held his own small ones.\u00a0 How they\u2019d comforted and guided.\u00a0 And now they were so still.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe lovingly sponged the dried, caked mud from Adam\u2019s heavy hair.\u00a0 He\u2019d always noticed how it shone like a raven\u2019s feathers when it was wet.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

When he\u2019d finished he realized he\u2019d forgotten something.\u00a0 He ran to the kitchen and quickly returned with a couple long narrow pieces of sheeting.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Those ribs had to be bound.\u00a0 Joe sat Adam up and got behind him; taking one of the strips, he began wrapping it tightly around Adam\u2019s chest.\u00a0 He whimpered with one particularly hard tug and Joe apologized.\u00a0 Adam had been through enough without him getting ham-handed and adding to it.\u00a0 Once the binding was securely tied he lowered Adam back to the floor and covered him to keep him from getting chilled.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Now Joe hesitantly turned his attention to his brother\u2019s lower half and inhaled roughly.\u00a0 He dreaded this more than anyone would ever know; he didn\u2019t want Adam hurt anymore, but there was no way around it.\u00a0 Pa used to say that sometimes you had to hurt to help.\u00a0 Well, Joe was going to have to hurt, and hurt bad before he was finished.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

His attention flitted to the fireplace, then to the poker, then back to his brother.\u00a0 The idea of what he was going to do turned his stomach.\u00a0 He\u2019d seen it done before, though never done it himself, and the stench and pain had always stayed fresh in his memory.\u00a0 Now he was about to add to those memories by doing it to Adam.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to do this, Joe,\u201d he said half out loud.\u00a0 \u201cIf you don\u2019t he\u2019ll die.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He knew Adam could die anyway, but this could give him a chance.\u00a0 And any chance there was Joe had to take.\u00a0 He\u2019d considered waiting for Doc Martin, but he didn\u2019t know when that would be, and by then it could be too late.\u00a0 No, it was up to him.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He wiped his face with the back of his hand then unbuckled Adam\u2019s gun belt; the big .44 Colt long gone.\u00a0 He laid it aside then removed the other belt and put with it.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Without hesitation, Joe began cutting Adam\u2019s britches off of him.\u00a0 Now he got a good look at the injury to his brother\u2019s right thigh and it made him ill.\u00a0 The large splinter looked to be in fairly deep and the blood around it had clotted and turned dark.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s soft, dark brows lowered and one corner of his mouth snurled in distaste.\u00a0 \u201cNo time to get squeamish.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t that he was squeamish; actually, it was just the thought of what he was looking at.\u00a0 Thankfully, Adam didn\u2019t appear to be aware of it.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He pulled the remnants of the britches from under Adam and tossed them away with the shirt.\u00a0 He sliced along the side of the boot and literally peeled it away from Adam\u2019s foot.\u00a0 Then he rolled off the sodden socks and stuffed into the top of it.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing\u2019s gonna kill me for dulling his knife,\u201d he said, laying it down on the rug.\u00a0 But Joe knew better.\u00a0 He knew that Hop Sing would do the same thing without a blink for any one of his boys.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As gently as before, Joe bathed his brother thoroughly from the waist down, paying close attention to the dried blood.\u00a0 He placed more towels over him leaving the right thigh uncovered.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stood and stretched; it felt good but he didn\u2019t have time to linger in it.\u00a0 Bending over, he took the end of the rug at his brother\u2019s feet, and drug it and Adam closer to the hearth.\u00a0 \u201cUnh, Adam, you\u2019re heavy,\u201d he grunted.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe pulled the poker from the burning logs.\u00a0 It was getting there but it wasn\u2019t quite ready, so he stuck it back.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He looked down at his brother lying serenely heedless to everything around him.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, for once in your life; do as I say and don\u2019t wake up yet,\u201d he said crisply.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam had never been one to bend to anyone\u2019s whims or will.\u00a0 Only Pa had\u00a0any<\/em>\u00a0kind of control over him and sometimes they butted heads like two old rams.\u00a0 And as bad as he himself was, Joe knew, without doubt, that Adam was\u00a0the<\/em>\u00a0most stubborn, mule-headed person he\u2019d ever known.\u00a0 And even worse; most times he was right.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stooped next to him and checked Adam\u2019s heartbeat.\u00a0 Maybe it was a little stronger.\u00a0 Or was it wishful thinking on his part?\u00a0 \u201cStay with me, brother,\u201d he said, watching him intently.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A wisp of black hair had characteristically fallen over Adam\u2019s forehead.\u00a0 Joe lightly pushed it back.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t even know I\u2019m here, do you?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

For now, he was resting comfortably and getting warm.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t appear to be in any further danger, as far as Joe could tell, so he decided to see to Cochise.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe moved like someone caught in a bad dream out to the yard where the piebald waited patiently.\u00a0 But it wasn\u2019t a dream; it was a nightmare without an end in sight.\u00a0 \u201cYou earned yourself something special today.\u00a0 How does a carrot sound?\u201d he said as he patted the horse on the jowl.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cochise affectionately snuffled his velvety muzzle in his master\u2019s hair.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Inside Joe, sadness mingled with gratitude.\u00a0 \u201cThank\u2019s fella,\u201d he said, patting him again.\u00a0 He pulled the animal\u2019s head down and put his face against it and closed it all out \u00a0for a few minutes.\u00a0 \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Once back in his stall and untacked, Cochise got a brisk if somewhat cursory rubdown, oats, water and his promised carrot.\u00a0 Joe enjoyed the horse, and today \u2018Cooch\u2019 showed part of why.\u00a0 He\u2019d done everything Joe had asked of him and never once balked.\u00a0 If Adam lived it could be said that Cochise helped save his life.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe went back to the house; tired and wrung out and with so much yet ahead of him.\u00a0 But he wasn\u2019t worried about himself.\u00a0 Right now his only concern was his brother, and he was eager to get back to him.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam apparently hadn\u2019t budged and he\u2019d heated up even more.\u00a0 Joe hoped it was from the fire, but he didn\u2019t really believe that.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe found that the nightshirt was well warmed and he decided that it was time to get Adam into it.\u00a0 He slipped the long arms into the sleeves, then gathered it in back and eased it over his head.\u00a0 Joe pulled it down around him, avoiding his injured thigh, and then covered him again to keep in the warmth.\u00a0 Then he packed more toweling around his right leg to catch the blood.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Catch the blood.\u00a0 Oh, would this ever end?\u00a0 He stepped to the hearth and stared into the blaze.\u00a0 His body throbbed all over.\u00a0 He massaged his temples and let the scent of burning pine take him back to his first hunt.\u00a0 The quarry had been mule deer and Joe had been fourteen.\u00a0 Adam had thought him plenty old enough, and Pa had agreed.\u00a0 Hoss had wanted to go but Adam believed that he and Joe needed the time together, alone.\u00a0 Joe had become combative with his older brother; defying and rankling against his authority.\u00a0 Things hadn\u2019t changed.\u00a0 But the outing had been good for both of them, and neither worried about coming away empty handed.\u00a0 Some of the brotherly understanding had been restored, if only temporarily.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe pulled the poker out; it was ready.\u00a0 But he wasn\u2019t.\u00a0 How could he do this to Adam?\u00a0 How could he\u2026\u00a0 He let the thought go as he shoved the poker back into the fire.\u00a0 How could he not?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He turned and looked down at Adam, at peace for the moment.\u00a0 \u201cI hate to do this to you, brother.\u00a0 But I think you\u2019d tell me to just get on with it if you could,\u201d he said wearily.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Coming around on his brother\u2019s right, he knelt down and took the finer bladed knife.\u00a0 He paused to say a prayer for his hands and his nerve to stay steady; and for Adam not to suffer too much.\u00a0 Though he knew that was one prayer that couldn\u2019t be answered.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked dubiously at the hand that clutched the knife, its keen blade glinting in the light.\u00a0 It was steady as a rock.\u00a0 With a gritted determination to get this over with, Joe thrust the blade halfway to the hilt between the wood and the flesh of his brother\u2019s leg.\u00a0 As he ran it around a small amount of blood came to the surface, but he knew this wasn\u2019t as bad as it was going to get.\u00a0 He began to pry and move the wooden shard back-and-forth.\u00a0 Allowing himself a quick side-glance he could see that Adam was beginning to react.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet,\u201d he muttered.\u00a0 \u201cPlease, not yet.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Continuing to wobble the wood and pry, he felt it begin to come free.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t seem to be in as deep as he\u2019d at first thought.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s only one way,\u201d he said sickly.\u00a0 And, putting the knife down, he gripped the piece with both hands and gave a fierce tug.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It came out with such abruptness that it surprised Joe.\u00a0 But the bleeding didn\u2019t; it ran down Adam\u2019s thigh in rivulets and stained the towels.\u00a0 He threw the shard into the grate and grabbed the poker.\u00a0 Without faltering, he laid it again the dreadful wound.\u00a0 The stench of burning flesh hit his nostrils and he swallowed hard.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Searing, burning pain scorched its way into Adam\u2019s dark world.\u00a0 It ran into his very soul.\u00a0 His mind spun and he sucked in air as the agony traveled through his body.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s scream cut Joe in two, but he couldn\u2019t stop now.\u00a0 He had to make sure he\u2019d stopped the bleeding.\u00a0 \u201cJust a few more seconds.\u00a0 Gotta make sure,\u201d Joe said, pressing the poker down as he leaned hard on Adam\u2019s leg.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam writhed and screamed again.\u00a0 His left arm shot out and hit the table leg with such force that Joe feared he may have broken his hand.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, Joe cautiously lifted the poker; no blood.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Adam.\u00a0 It\u2019s over.\u201d\u00a0 He gave the wretched thing a fling and it landed against the hearthstone with a blunt clang.\u00a0 He cleaned away the blood then bound the wound with the other strip of sheeting.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Once the bandage was tied securely in place Joe scooted across the floor and gathered Adam up.\u00a0 He was breathing so hard it gave Joe a turn.\u00a0 The nightshirt clung to him and the black wisp was pasted against his forehead.\u00a0 Joe took a towel and blotted away the perspiration.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s over, Adam.\u00a0 It\u2019s over,\u201d he said, seeing his brother through a film of tears.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I pray that I never have to hurt you like that again.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s pain-glazed eyes staggered open and he looked at him.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s name came faintly on a whisper as he weakly raised his left hand.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took it lightly and felt along the back of it.\u00a0 As he\u2019d feared, it was indeed broken.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t let his brother see him cry, but in his deepest depths, he wept.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyelids wafted down and Joe felt him go lax against him.\u00a0 He hunched over Adam, still holding his hand.\u00a0 The constant fear that he was going to lose his brother couldn\u2019t be allayed.\u00a0 All he could do was stay near and pray.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

Chapter 4<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Almost half an hour had passed since the awful ordeal.\u00a0 Adam was nestled on the settee, a pillow under his head and two propping his legs.\u00a0 The blankets had been lapped over him with only his head uncovered and he was resting quietly.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe slumped in the red leather chair by the fireplace, keeping vigil over his brother while he slept.\u00a0 He was tired.\u00a0 No, he was more than simply tired; he was physically and emotionally drained.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s screams pierced him and the wounded, half-closed eyes haunted him.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The storm had finally come, and Joe was grateful it\u2019d waited until they\u2019d gotten home.\u00a0 Two of his prayers had been answered, now if only the others would be.\u00a0 It lashed around the house; the thunder answering the howling wind.\u00a0 Joe had fastened the shutters in the dining room against it and lit a couple lamps in the parlor.\u00a0 The blaze crackled and filled the room with light and warmth.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked around, but his attention went immediately to the poker; lying where he\u2019d thrown it.\u00a0 He\u2019d used it on his brother, and he knew he could never look at it the same way again.\u00a0 He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and stared back into the fire.\u00a0 Except for the snapping it made and the gale outside, the house itself was quiet;\u00a0 \u00a0silent as a graveyard after a snow.\u00a0 He flinched and buried his face in his hands.\u00a0 Why did he have to think such things?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

For the first time he allowed himself to run unchecked.\u00a0 Tears ran into his hands and down his arms, and his soft weeping floated around him.\u00a0 If this was what being a man was about, he knew he wanted no part of it.\u00a0 But a man wouldn\u2019t have said what he did in front of the mercantile.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe calmed some.\u00a0\u00a0I wish you\u2019d go away and just leave me alone!\u00a0 I don\u2019t need you!<\/em>, Joe\u2019s shouted words forced themselves back on him and humbled him.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t mean it, Adam.\u00a0 Not a word of it,\u201d he said his voice coarse and defeated.\u00a0 \u201cI\u00a0do<\/em>\u00a0need you.\u00a0 And I\u00a0don\u2019t<\/em>\u00a0want you to go away.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d came a gaunt, but strangely familiar reply.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d\u00a0 Joe looked quickly around, savagely wiping away the tears, and rushed to his brother\u2019s side.\u00a0 Joe sat on the table and checked the progression of the fever, almost afraid of what he\u2019d find.\u00a0 He was still very hot.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He started to ask Adam how he was feeling but he could see for himself.\u00a0 Adam was ashen and haggard.\u00a0 His eyes sat back in deep sockets and Joe could almost see the pain lurking behind them.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He took the glass he had sitting on the table and held it to Adam\u2019s pallid lips.\u00a0 It seemed such an endeavor to get so little down.\u00a0 Setting the glass back, Joe took the cloth from the pan of water, squeezed it out and began trying to cool him.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s breathing wasn\u2019t as hard and fast, but it was labored.\u00a0 The cloth heated quickly so Joe wet it again.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long…\u00a0 How long have I\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeen out?\u00a0 I\u2019d guess not quite an hour,\u201d Joe said as he wiped Adam\u2019s hair back.\u00a0 \u201cWe had us quite a session, didn\u2019t we?\u201d\u00a0 Joe forced a halfhearted grin.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat we did.\u201d\u00a0 Adam didn\u2019t really want to talk, but he had to, he had things that needed saying.\u00a0 \u201cYou all right?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe froze and held back what was bubbling up inside him.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, why wouldn\u2019t I be?\u00a0 You know me,\u201d he said as he looked from Adam, lest he give himself away.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

His brother\u2019s light tone was false, and Adam caught it right now, ill as he was.\u00a0 He scowled skeptically.\u00a0 \u201cYeah,\u2026 I know you\u2026.\u00a0 Now\u2026 how are you?… And don\u2019t make\u2026\u201d\u00a0 He had to stop to let his breathing catch up with him.\u00a0 \u201c\u2026ask again.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t want to worry him; Adam had\u00a0enough<\/em>\u00a0problems just trying to get well without worrying about him.\u00a0 \u201cReally, I\u2019m all right.\u00a0 It was rough putting you through that,\u201d he said, trying hard to keep his strong mask on.\u00a0 \u201cBut I knew it had to be done, and I got through it.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took one long, wearisome blink then rested his gaze on his brother\u2019s drawn features.\u00a0 He thought he\u2019d heard Joe crying, and now he was pretty much sure of it.\u00a0 \u201cAll right\u2026 for now\u2026. But I\u2026 wish\u2026\u201d he said, nothingness wanting to take him once more.\u00a0 His strength was deserting him, but there was still something he had to say; to do.\u00a0 \u201cWould you do\u2026 something for me?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe studied him closely.\u00a0 \u201cAnything.\u00a0 You know that.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo to my room\u2026.\u00a0 Box under the bed\u2026.\u00a0 Get and\u2026 bring it back,\u201d Adam said, struggling for every syllable.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Joe\u2026 just once\u2026,\u201d his voice ebbed.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was uncertain if he should leave him, but it seemed so important to him.\u00a0 \u201cAll right,\u201d he said with a wan smile and touched his brother\u2019s wrist.\u00a0 \u201cBut don\u2019t you go anywhere.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Faint humor flickered in the dim hazel eyes set on Joe.\u00a0 \u201cThought\u2026 I\u2019d go fishin\u2019.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe snickered lightly to keep from falling apart.\u00a0 \u201cIn this storm?\u00a0 You\u2019d drown.\u201d\u00a0 He cringed at his poor choice of words.\u00a0 Adam\u00a0had<\/em>\u00a0almost drowned and he wasn\u2019t out of the woods yet.\u00a0 He rewet the cloth and put it on Adam\u2019s forehead, then went upstairs with a backward glance as he reached the landing, and went on.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It was all Adam could do to stay awake.\u00a0 He felt weighted down and it was making it difficult to make his lungs work.\u00a0 But there was something he had to do before the shadows consumed him again, something he may not get another chance to do.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam could see the strain Joe was under, and he worried what would happen to his brother if he didn\u2019t make it.\u00a0 He\u2019d fight to live, but he knew there were some fights even a fighter like himself couldn\u2019t win.\u00a0 And he wondered if this was one of them.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was only gone for a very few minutes.\u00a0 He held a wooden case, a little bigger than a cigar box, as he drug himself down the stairs.\u00a0 Fatigue made itself evident in his dragging steps.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He went back to the table and sat down.\u00a0 Curiosity nibbled at him, but he knew Adam would tell when he was ready.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHappy birthday, Joe.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked straight at him; he didn\u2019t like where this was heading.\u00a0 \u201cThat isn\u2019t for another month,\u201d he said, stifling the anxiety building in him.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam only half nodded.\u00a0 \u201cBut we both know that\u2026\u00a0 maybe I won\u2019t be around then,\u201d he said barely above a murmur.\u00a0 \u201cOpen it.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t want to open it.\u00a0 It meant he was giving up on Adam, surrendering to the fact that his brother wouldn\u2019t be around for his birthday.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam knew his little brother, and he knew what he was thinking.\u00a0 \u201cGo ahead\u2026.\u00a0 It won\u2019t change\u2026 what\u2019s going to be,\u201d he said on an intake of air as a sharp twinge stabbed into him.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe paused.\u00a0 In spite of what Adam said, he still felt like he was giving up.\u00a0 Looking down at the chest in his lap, he gulped down the rock and fought the tears that threatened.\u00a0 He could feel Adam watching him and he was afraid to look at him.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Trying to keep the trembling in his fingers at bay he flipped the clasp and opened back the hinged lid.\u00a0 Inside, nestled in excelsior, was the most beautiful pistol Joe had ever seen.\u00a0 The steel blue barrel and cylinder were heavily scrolled.\u00a0 The stocks were highly polished mahogany wood with a silver disc in each engraved with the Ponderosa brand and the initials JC.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI believe the tool\u2026 should be worthy\u2026 of the man\u2026 who uses it,\u201d Adam said, regarding his brother.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe slid down in front of the settee, letting the box hit the floor and clutching the gun tightly.\u00a0 Closing his eyes, he put his forehead against his brother\u2019s chest.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Pushing himself to the limit, Adam brought out his right hand and put it on the back of Joe\u2019s head.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s all right, buddy,\u201d he comforted, finally losing the battle to stay in this world.\u00a0 \u201cGo ahead.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s pitiful sobs emanated through the parlor and into the dining room.\u00a0 Even the fury outside couldn\u2019t drown them out.\u00a0 But they were soon lost to Adam as he lost consciousness again.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Joe stepped out into the wailing night with the chamber pot.\u00a0 He emptied it against the wind so that the rain could wash it away then moved back to the shelter of the porch.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He felt beaten as he watched the storm batter the barn and the trees.\u00a0 There were so many things he wished the rain could wash away: words, anger, sorrow, misery.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam had called him a man, but right now he was feeling more like an exhausted, scared little boy.\u00a0 If only Pa were there to reassure him that everything was going to be all right.\u00a0 But what if Pa couldn\u2019t?\u00a0 What if he couldn\u2019t turn to him and say; \u201cEverything\u2019s gonna to be all right.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s gonna to be all right.\u201d\u00a0 Joe realized that sometimes he and his brothers expected their father to know the answers to things he couldn\u2019t possibly.\u00a0 A sad smile turned his lips and tugged at the corners of his vacant eyes.\u00a0 Was it only natural for a son to look to his father and expect him to know the answers to all the questions?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The door had been left ajar so he could hear if Adam needed anything.\u00a0 But his brother was out again and he didn\u2019t expect it.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe wanted to go to sleep, to shut out everything that\u2019d gone on.\u00a0 But it would doubtless invade his dreams, and, anyway, he couldn\u2019t risk being asleep if Adam needed him.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe spun around, gut in his feet, and rushed inside, slamming the door.\u00a0 He dropped the pot as he ran to the settee, catching his toe on something and nearly falling.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was restless, he head rolling on the pillow, eyes closed.\u00a0 \u201cJoe!\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat on the table and took Adam\u2019s flailing left arm, careful of the bound hand.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m here, Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019m right here,\u201d he said, feeling Adam\u2019s forehead.\u00a0 His discouraged expression said it all.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re burning up.\u201d\u00a0 He washed Adam\u2019s face with the cool, damp cloth.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!…\u00a0 Gotta find\u2026 Joe!\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s agitation was escalating.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, water!\u00a0 No, water!…\u00a0 Gotta find Joe!\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m here!\u00a0 You\u2019re safe!\u00a0 There\u2019s no water!\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s tense voice rose.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was beginning the thrash about more violently and Joe feared he\u2019d hurt himself over again.\u00a0 Tenderly, he lifted Adam, blankets and all, pushed the pillow to the floor, then shifted onto the settee and carefully lowered his brother into his lap.\u00a0 Joe held him firm, but remained mindful of his ribs.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Adam.\u00a0 Your brother\u2019s got you, and I\u2019m not gonna let anything hurt you,\u201d he said, strangling back a cry.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re all right.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam continued to pitch about and Joe was having trouble hanging onto him, leastways without hurting him.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, stop it,\u201d he said sternly.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam asked roughly.\u00a0 \u201cPa, where\u2019s Joe?…\u00a0 Gotta find\u2026 Joe.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI said stop it!\u201d Joe said directly, frustration and anger mounting; not at Adam but at himself for being so powerless.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Adam\u2019s frantic eyes flashed open and looked straight into Joe\u2019s, but he doubted if his brother really saw him.\u00a0 Joe smiled poignantly, his heart tearing apart.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam just stared at him and calmed his breathing harsh and chafing.\u00a0 Then his right arm raised and Joe took his hand.\u00a0 \u201cJoe,\u201d Adam said, his voice frail.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right now.\u00a0 You found me,\u201d Joe said mildly.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re both safe.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He looked deep into Adam\u2019s eyes as a peace seemed to fill them.\u00a0 Adam settled and became\u00a0very<\/em>\u00a0still.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A sudden, urgent trepidation, almost a panic, engulfed Joe.\u00a0 What was happening?\u00a0 Was this it?\u00a0 Was his brother dying in his arms?\u00a0 \u201cAdam,\u201d his voice stumbled.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam passed out again and his head fell against Joe, but his breathing continued quick and ragged.\u00a0 And Joe knew.\u00a0 Adam had found him and would let himself rest now; Joe was all right and nothing else mattered.\u00a0 Even half out of his mind with fever, Joe\u2019s safety was foremost.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe pulled the blanket up and his clasp snugged around him.\u00a0 Easing foreword, he moved the pan closer and took the cloth from it.\u00a0 He bathed Adam\u2019s face and wet his dry lips.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll get through this, brother,\u201d he said, strain and lassitude coming through.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He tossed the cloth into the pan and leaned back against the settee and closed his eyes.\u00a0 Tears seeped through his dark lashes and ran down his cheeks.\u00a0 An ache had settled way down inside him, an ache so profound that he knew it\u2019d take a long time to heal.\u00a0 He also knew that if Adam didn\u2019t come through this, maybe it never would.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He could feel his brother against his heart, his respiration still coming frightfully fast.\u00a0 He looked at the pale figure he cradled, feeling the life he held.\u00a0 And at that moment Joe felt more like a father holding his son, and for it maybe understood his own father a little better.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe let his eyes close against and shifted ever so slightly.\u00a0 Gradually, Adam\u2019s breathing slowed but stayed heavy and rough.\u00a0 He rested easy in his brother\u2019s sheltering grasp, only becoming restive twice.\u00a0 But Joe\u2019s soothing words and calm, gentle voice quieted him.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe got up only once to use the chamber pot he\u2019d so unceremoniously discarded by the front door,\u00a0 But he\u2019d gone right back to the settee and taken Adam back to him.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He was aware most of the night and into the early hours of the morning.\u00a0 Managing to doze some on and off; Adam remained at the center of his sleep which had become sound right before it got light.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

That Friday morning dawned bright and full of promise.\u00a0 The storm had blown itself out about an hour before.\u00a0 The scent of pine and wildflowers pervaded the heavy, damp air and everything hung limp and wet.\u00a0 But the warm spring sun and breezes would soon dry things into one of those glorious days that come to the Sierras.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

But inside the Ponderosa ranch house Adam Cartwright continued to wage war against a high fever.\u00a0 His kid brother was asleep on the settee, still holding him.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Sleeping soundly, Joe didn\u2019t hear the horses or the chuck wagon splash into the front yard.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t aware when the front door opened back and his father and brother blustered in.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright froze where he stood.\u00a0 \u201cWhat in the world?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The place was a wreck: dried mud on the floor, the rug rumpled by the fireplace, the poker thrown haphazardly against the hearthstone, a pile of dirty black rags and towels near the table behind the settee and a used chamber pot in the middle of the room.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben felt heat tickle at the roots of his silvery hair and the muscles in his jaw tensed.\u00a0 He could expect something like this from Joe; but Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI leave them alone for two weeks, and look at this,\u201d he said gruffly.\u00a0 He was just about to call his wayfaring sons when his middle son spoke.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Hoss Cartwright said grimly, bending to pick up the smooth black gun belt and the remains of the muddy shirt and britches.\u00a0 \u201cThis is Adam\u2019s.\u00a0 And so\u2019s these.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben took the clothes from him and looked them over.\u00a0 They were filthy and had been cut, not torn, but deliberately cut.\u00a0 Then his coffee eyes went to the single boot.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss picked it up and turned it over in his big hands; it too had been cut.\u00a0 \u201cPa, somethin\u2019 ain\u2019t right here.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s mind began to whirl.\u00a0 Where were Adam and Joe?\u00a0 Granted, Joe could be a little erratic at times, but Adam was as stable as they came, and he wouldn\u2019t just leave the house this way.\u00a0 Not without good reason.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben hadn\u2019t noticed the steady torrent of heated Chinese coming from the kitchen until it stopped.\u00a0 Looking around, he saw Hop Sing standing like a statue by the dining table, gaping at the settee.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss followed his line of sight.\u00a0 For the first time they saw the mass of dark brown curls showing above the back of the piece of furniture.\u00a0 He and Hoss walked around either end of it and stopped when they saw what was on it.\u00a0 Hop Sing took a step closer.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart sank when he saw his sons.\u00a0 Adam was unconscious and pale as a ghost, his face glossy with perspiration and his breathing heavy.\u00a0 Joe, asleep, held him like he never intended to let go.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sat on the table and leaned closer to them. \u201cJoe\u2026.\u00a0 Joe,\u201d he said softly.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t stir.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben could see the shades of fatigue in the face of his youngest, and was afraid to know what\u2019d put them there.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph,\u201d he said, his voice raising an octave as he touched his son cautiously.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe awoke with a start, his attention going directly to Adam.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Only then did Joe realize that he and Adam were no longer alone.\u00a0 He blinked owlishly and looked at his father.\u00a0 \u201cPa?\u201d he asked wispily.\u00a0 \u201cAm I glad to see you.\u201d\u00a0 He side- glanced at Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cBoth of you.\u00a0 Where\u2019s Hop Sing?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing came to stand by Ben.\u00a0 \u201cI light here, Mista Joe.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, what happened?\u201d\u00a0 Ben could feel his stomach tightening.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with Adam?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you about it, Pa,\u201d he said, glancing at Hoss again.\u00a0 \u201cBut first someone needs to go for Doc Martin.\u00a0 There wasn\u2019t anyone to send and I couldn\u2019t leave Adam alone.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll git me a fresh horse an\u2019 go right now,\u201d Hoss volunteered, then rushed out.\u00a0 For such a big man, he could move quite fast when he had to.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, you\u2019d better make us some coffee,\u201d Ben said tiredly.\u00a0 \u201cThis is going to be along day.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI go light now.\u00a0 And I help with Mista Adam,\u201d Hop Sing said and bustled into the kitchen.\u00a0 He hated seeing one of his boys hurt so, and this one had fever.\u00a0 Some of his tea would help.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought he was dead, Pa.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t find him.\u00a0 And when I did he was all broke and covered with mud.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t even know it was him at first,\u201d Joe said timorously, the words coming fast and cracked.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben reached out absently and put his hand on Adam\u2019s face.\u00a0 His eldest was burning up.\u00a0 Ben met Joe\u2019s pleading, tear-shrouded watch.\u00a0 \u201cBut what happened, Joe?\u00a0 How did\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe got caught in a spring runoff yesterday morning,\u201d he said, cutting his father off.\u00a0 \u201cIn Deacon\u2019s Pass.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A quick tremor shook Ben.\u00a0 He knew Deacon\u2019s Pass well, and he\u2019d seen the damage wrought by these runoffs.\u00a0 He\u2019d also seen the victims that\u2019d been caught in them; twisted and buried in silt and dead or dying.\u00a0 Was his son dying now?\u00a0 He could only guess what it\u2019d been like for Joe to find his brother like that.\u00a0 And he didn\u2019t want to imagine what the previous day and night had been like for both of them.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Delicately, Ben opened back the blankets, and was taken aback by what met him.\u00a0 The tail of the nightshirt was hiked, showing the full extent of injury to his son\u2019s legs.\u00a0 The front had been left unbuttoned and the binding peaked through.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

With a tender touch, Ben lifted the bound hand.\u00a0 It was so colorless against the white bandage that swathed it.\u00a0 How many times had he held it when it was so much smaller?\u00a0 He looked to Joe.\u00a0 \u201cBroken too?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded.\u00a0 \u201cHe hit the table when I cauterized his leg with the poker,\u201d Joe said sickly.\u00a0 The shattering screams returned and he wanted to blot them out.\u00a0 Would he ever be able to?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s memory turned back to the implement lying against the hearth and it jarred him to the marrow.\u00a0 Joe had never had to do that before, and the first time it had been to his brother.\u00a0 He felt a swell of pride for his youngest.\u00a0 Ben had left a boy, and come home to a man.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Laying down the precious hand, Ben closed the blankets back over his son.\u00a0 Then he took the cloth and began swabbing Adam\u2019s face.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, son,\u201d Ben said, never looking from Adam or stopping what he was doing.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe argued,\u201d Joe said unevenly.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben had heard this before, it wasn\u2019t anything new.\u00a0 But this time it was different, Adam\u2019s life was in danger, and Ben caught a hint of guilt in Joe\u2019s voice.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI said some awful things to him, Pa.\u00a0 I said I\u2026\u201d\u00a0 His chin began to quiver and he bit his lower lip.\u00a0 \u201c\u2026wished he\u2019d go away.\u00a0 Leave me alone.\u00a0 Pa, I don\u2019t.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at him and it hurt.\u00a0 He could see Joe\u2019s blame; hear it in his voice, read it in the fretted brown eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWe sometimes say things when we\u2019re angry that we don\u2019t mean,\u201d Ben said, still ministering to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cAdam knows that.\u00a0 And he knows you don\u2019t want him to leave.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe inhaled loudly.\u00a0 \u201cHe said he does.\u00a0 But I\u2026\u201d the downhearted voice fell off.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben gave Joe a smile that was a warm beacon, reaching out to him.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever seen Adam rest so peacefully when he\u2019s sick.\u00a0 Somewhere deep inside, I think he knows who\u2019s holding him.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s thoughts reeled back to Adam\u2019s thrashing and delirium, and his calling for his little brother.\u00a0 How he\u2019d calmed down when he\u2019d\u00a0found<\/em>\u00a0him.\u00a0 The peace that\u2019d crept into the fevered dark eyes when they\u2019d met with his.\u00a0 And he knew Pa was right.\u00a0 Adam understood.\u00a0 So did Joe.\u00a0 Well, maybe a little.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\u201cAh, come one, Joe.\u00a0 Ya gonna cut it or ain\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked down at the chocolate-frosted cake, \u201cHappy Birthday, Joe\u201d written in white icing; but no candles.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s family couldn\u2019t understand why he didn\u2019t want them this year; he always had in the past.\u00a0 But he\u2019d only smile and say he just didn\u2019t.\u00a0 He knew that his wish had already been granted.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust hold your horses, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 Joe beamed at the funny he\u2019d made.\u00a0 \u201cYou know I can\u2019t cut it till Adam gets down here.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if\u2019n he don\u2019t git down here soon I ain\u2019t gonna wait anymore,\u201d Hoss said, his brows dipping over his blue eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll cut it myself.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no, you won\u2019t.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sat at his end of the table, watching his sons with a muted expression of amusement.\u00a0 \u201cNo, Hoss, Joe\u2019s right, he said with mock seriousness.\u00a0 \u201cIt was his decision to have only the family for his birthday this year.\u00a0 And it wouldn\u2019t be right not to wait until the whole family\u2019s here.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The whole family.\u00a0 That sounded mighty good to Ben when, just a month ago, he\u2019d come so close to losing a part of that family; first to drowning, then to a terrible fever.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, dadburnit, whatever he\u2019s doin\u2019, I wish he\u2019d hurry.\u00a0 I\u2019m just settin\u2019 here awastin\u2019 away to nothin\u2019,\u201d Hoss said, taking on his best emaciated expression.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs everybody waiting for me?\u201d Adam asked cheerfully as he came down the stairs with a noticeable limp.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The right leg bone had healed without problem, but the left hadn\u2019t done as well.\u00a0 The double break had been more stubborn about knitting and the wound to his thigh had done some damage to the muscle.\u00a0 But the cauterizing had saved him from a lot worse.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

His father and brothers looked around.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about time, brother.\u00a0 What took ya so dadblamed long?\u201d Hoss said, his frown deepening.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He recalled the long ride to Virginia City to get the doctor after coming off a dragging trail drive.\u00a0 But Adam had needed help and Hoss would\u2019ve gone all the way to San Francisco, if necessary.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI had to look decent for Joe\u2019s birthday,\u201d Adam said as he eased to the table and sat down at his usual place.\u00a0 \u201cI couldn\u2019t come down here looking like one of the hands.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Truth was; Adam hadn\u2019t done any ranch work since he\u2019d been hurt.\u00a0 Doc Martin said it wasn\u2019t time yet and Ben made sure his oldest hadn\u2019t taken any on.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe had been taking up the slack more than Hoss, but he didn\u2019t mind.\u00a0 He took it as paying Adam back for doing his chores when he\u2019d been sparking Penny Chapman; who\u2019d dropped Joe like a hot rock.\u00a0 The selfish little fool hadn\u2019t understood why Joe had preferred staying at home to taking her to the dance.\u00a0 Even after he\u2019d explained that it was to be with his injured brother.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa can cut it now, Joe,\u201d Hoss said eagerly, rubbing his huge hands together.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at the knife.\u00a0 It was the same one he\u2019d used to cut Adam\u2019s clothes off, honed sharp.\u00a0 His fingers tightened on the haft and his hand quivered ever so slightly.\u00a0 At a light pressure on his arm Joe looked into Adam\u2019s understanding eyes.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam grinned as he took his hand away.\u00a0 \u201cYou better cut that before our brother keels over,\u201d Adam said with a wink.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Joe said as he brought the knife down through the tender cake.\u00a0 \u201cBut he\u2019s still gonna have to wait.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 face crumpled.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, Joe?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause as the birthday boy he gets to choose who gets the first piece,\u201d Ben said, looking unnoticed at his oldest son.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Joe said putting a good-sized portion on the plate his father had handed him.\u00a0 With a smile he set it down in front of Adam.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A look passed between Adam and Joe.\u00a0 Both of them knew that the bond between them was stronger than arguments or anger or even death.\u00a0 No matter what happened, they would always be brothers.\u00a0 Nothing could ever change that.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

The End<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 It a story of survival during a flashflood.
\nRating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 14535 words<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12436,"featured_media":8202,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","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_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,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1008],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-60973","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-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\/lightning.jpg?fit=200%2C252&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60973","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\/12436"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=60973"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60973\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8202"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=60973"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=60973"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=60973"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}