{"id":61064,"date":"2025-12-09T20:49:16","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T01:49:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=61064"},"modified":"2025-12-23T07:55:03","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T12:55:03","slug":"mr-adam-and-them-boys-by-djk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=61064","title":{"rendered":"Mr. Adam and Them Boys (by DJK)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: Adam loses a bet and\u00a0must\u00a0take Little Joe and four friends hunting in the high country.\u00a0His fears of catastrophe come true in an unexpected way.\u00a0\u00a0This prequel was written for the Chaps and Spurs Quarter Four Challenge.\u00a0\u00a0The five mandated words were: percolate, earthquake, pipeline, surgeon, amendment.<\/span> \u00a0<\/span>Rating: teen\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count: 7423<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Mr. Adam and\u00a0Them\u00a0Boys\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

by DJK<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

\u201cFive, Hoss, five!\u201d\u00a0 Adam threw himself down into his favorite blue chair.\u00a0\u00a0It rocked; Hoss smirked.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNow, Adam, it\u00a0ain\u2019t\u00a0that bad.\u00a0\u00a0You did make the bet.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI was snookered.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou were.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss chuckled.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cSlick as a\u00a0whistle,\u00a0them\u00a0boys…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBoys!\u00a0\u00a0Imps,\u00a0<\/span><\/i>no,\u00a0<\/span>demons\u00a0<\/span><\/i>is\u00a0more like\u00a0it.\u00a0\u00a0All of them were in on it.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Adam groaned.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNow, you are the one that taught Little Joe about loopholes.\u00a0\u00a0Ya\u00a0shoulda\u00a0remembered\u00a0he\u2019s\u00a0a quick learner.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI could\u00a0just…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCartwrights\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0welch.\u00a0\u00a0Besides\u00a0how bad…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam sighed.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cFive\u00a0twelve and\u00a0thirteen-year-olds, Hoss; I\u2019m taking them\u00a0into the high country,\u00a0and they will be armed.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThem boys have all been hunting since they were eight or nine, well, except for Tuck.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss\u00a0sat down on the hearth.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s only for three nights,\u00a0and you won\u2019t actually leave Ponderosa land.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCatastrophes have happened on Ponderosa land.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat catastrophe do you think is\u00a0gonna\u00a0happen?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cLet\u2019s\u00a0see.\u00a0\u00a0Fire, flood, an\u00a0earthquake, perhaps, and\u00a0then\u00a0there\u00a0are\u00a0assorted accidents…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNow, Adam, an earthquake?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss gave his brother a what-really look.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0possible.\u00a0I do suppose fratricide\u00a0has\u00a0a higher percentage\u00a0of\u00a0probability.\u201d\u00a0 Adam leaned back, closed his eyes, and rubbed the bridge of his nose.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

This time Hoss sighed.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI\u2019d\u00a0come with\u00a0ya\u00a0if Pa…\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I could talk to him.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo. Pa\u00a0insists he needs you here, and\u00a0he\u2019s\u00a0right.\u00a0\u00a0You\u00a0have your special talents,\u00a0and the Ponderosa\u00a0will not\u00a0suffer due to my foolish\u00a0bet.\u00a0\u00a0If the worse happens,\u00a0they\u00a0will need your tracking skills in the rescue effort.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam,\u00a0them\u00a0boys, truth is, they all know to mind you, I\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0think you need to worry.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThey better mind, or I\u2019ll roast their little backsides!\u201d\u00a0 Adam looked over at Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s just…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cResponsibility for a young\u2019un is a powerful burden,\u00a0and this is\u00a0gonna\u00a0be quite the load.\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019ll\u00a0pray for\u00a0ya.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Hoss smiled and patted his brother\u2019s back.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSee that\u00a0you\u00a0do!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

~CS4CS4CS4~<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

His father came down the stairs and took a seat in his leather chair.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWell, the boys are settled and\u00a0should all be asleep soon.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s four friends were spending the night\u00a0so that an early departure could be assured.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThank you, Pa, for taking them in hand tonight.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam.\u201d\u00a0 Ben\u00a0templed\u00a0his fingers and studied his eldest.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s a simple hunting trip not the\u00a0Expedition\u00a0of Discovery.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTrue, but Lewis did have Clark.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben shook his head.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThe boys just want a little adventure, some time away from the everyday, and a chance\u00a0to be\u00a0a little grown.\u00a0\u00a0The hunting\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0even important.\u00a0\u00a0If you all have some fun…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cFun?\u00a0\u00a0Adventure?\u00a0The problem is their idea of fun\u00a0and\u00a0adventure\u00a0might\u00a0well\u00a0collide\u00a0with mine.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m\u00a0certain you can handle anything that comes up.\u00a0\u00a0All the boys know that they are under your\u00a0authority.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s countenance did not lighten.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYour brother, well, he appreciates that this is a gift from you.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cA gift?\u00a0It\u00a0wasn\u2019t\u00a0my idea.\u00a0\u00a0You know I lost…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes, I know about the bet.\u00a0\u00a0Still, if you can relax…\u00a0\u00a0you\u2019ve\u00a0taken\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe hunting and enjoyed it.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam tugged his right ear.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou\u2019re saying that\u00a0I should give it\u00a0a\u00a0chance to be a special memory.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m\u00a0advising you that a\u00a0great deal of\u00a0how\u00a0you, Little Joe, and the rest of the boys remember\u00a0this trip\u00a0is under\u00a0<\/span>your<\/span><\/i>\u00a0control, no matter what any of them do.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTrue.\u00a0\u00a0So, you think I should lead not command?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cExactly.\u00a0\u00a0Just be\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe\u2019s big brother whom he is\u00a0generous\u00a0enough to\u00a0share.\u201d\u00a0 Ben smiled.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAnd remember Hoss and I are both praying for you.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

~CS4CS4CS4~<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201c<\/span><\/i>Boys, listen up.\u201d\u00a0 Five faces turned and gave Adam their total attention.\u00a0He looked over their heads and saw that\u00a0Hoss was quietly checking the\u00a0cinches and\u00a0tack\u00a0on\u00a0all\u00a0the horses.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThe packhorses will have to be led.\u00a0\u00a0We\u2019ll\u00a0share that responsibility,\u00a0do it in pairs and in rotation: Little\u00a0Joe and Mitch, then the twins, and then\u00a0Tuck and I.\u201d He\u00a0watched the boys faces flicker with pride, their shoulders squaring and backs straightening.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAnyone\u00a0have any questions?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHave you decided just where we\u2019ll head?\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, Joe,\u00a0I gave it some thought and think that meadow up by the high falls might be a good place to set up camp.\u00a0\u00a0There\u2019s usually game in the area and…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYea, we had\u00a0real good\u00a0hunting there, and we could show everybody the Indian\u00a0paintings.\u00a0\u00a0We can,\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0we, Adam?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam heard the excitement in his brother\u2019s voice and in the\u00a0murmurs\u00a0of the other boys.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNo reason we can\u2019t.\u00a0\u00a0We\u2019re\u00a0agreed then?\u201d\u00a0 Each boy voiced his approval, and the\u00a0knot\u00a0in Adam\u2019s stomach relaxed\u00a0some.\u00a0\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe knew the area;\u00a0Hoss\u00a0knew\u00a0it well.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cLet\u2019s\u00a0mount up then.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Little Joe and Mitch were riding their own horses.\u00a0\u00a0The twins and Tuck were riding Ponderosa mounts.\u00a0\u00a0Adam\u00a0grinned\u00a0as he watched\u00a0the boys.\u00a0\u00a0Hoss had picked out the steadiest and\u00a0most sure-footed horses in the\u00a0entire Ponderosa stable.\u00a0\u00a0When it came to the riding, Adam\u00a0had no worries about\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe and\u00a0Mitch;\u00a0both\u00a0were excellent riders.\u00a0\u00a0The twins were\u00a0less\u00a0natural\u00a0horsemen\u00a0but entirely competent.\u00a0\u00a0Tuck, though, had\u00a0much less experience and little\u00a0confidence,\u00a0having never ridden until\u00a0his family moved\u00a0to town.\u00a0\u00a0He\u00a0would\u00a0bear\u00a0watching,\u00a0and Adam would set the pace to meet Tuck\u2019s needs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOkay, lead the way, Joe.\u00a0Mitch.\u00a0\u00a0We\u2019ve\u00a0got a full day\u2019s ride ahead.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Until they\u00a0left the\u00a0road, Little Joe and Mitch\u00a0led riding\u00a0side by side followed by the twins and then Adam and Tuck.\u00a0\u00a0Adam kept an eye on\u00a0his\u00a0partner,\u00a0offering encouragement and occasional\u00a0pointers\u00a0while answering\u00a0the boy\u2019s\u00a0questions.\u00a0\u00a0When they turned and started across open land,\u00a0the\u00a0column\u00a0became a group,\u00a0and the boys started chatting\u00a0amongst\u00a0themselves.\u00a0\u00a0Adam listened\u00a0and\u00a0smiled\u00a0thinking how surprised the\u00a0boys would be at how much they were reveling.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI think it\u2019s time we gave the horses a rest.\u201d\u00a0 Adam did not mention that he thought Tuck needed one even more.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThere\u2019s\u00a0a creek\u00a0near\u00a0those trees.\u00a0\u00a0We\u2019ll\u00a0stop, water\u00a0the\u00a0horses, and rest, um, our…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBehinds!\u201d Little Joe followed his declaration with\u00a0a giggle.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam rolled\u00a0his eyes. \u201cPrecisely.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOur\u00a0ma\u00a0sent a packet of cookies.\u00a0\u00a0We could eat\u00a0them up before they go to crumbles.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Jeff patted his saddle bag.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYeah, Ma bakes real good cookies.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Jeb\u2019s comment was met with nods of agreement.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSounds good.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Adam slipped ahead and led the\u00a0group to\u00a0the creek.\u00a0\u00a0Before dismounting, he surveyed his\u00a0troops.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHorses first.\u00a0\u00a0Watered and settled.\u00a0\u00a0Then\u00a0we\u2019ll\u00a0tuck into those cookies.\u00a0\u00a0And, boys,\u00a0let\u2019s\u00a0all try to stay dry.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u00a0suppressed\u00a0the\u00a0admonition\u00a0that would normally have followed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

~CS4CS4CS4~<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam swallowed the\u00a0last\u00a0of\u00a0four\u00a0snickerdoodles\u00a0while mentally agreeing that the\u00a0twins\u2019\u00a0mother baked\u00a0\u201creal good cookies\u201d.\u00a0\u201cOkay,\u00a0we\u2019d\u00a0best get going.\u00a0Jeff and Jeb, you two will take over the packhorses.\u201d\u00a0 He stood and brushed cookie crumbs from his pants.\u00a0\u00a0He watched the boys\u00a0go to\u00a0mount and took an internal count.\u00a0\u00a0It came up one short.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTuck!\u00a0\u00a0TUCK!\u00a0\u00a0TUCKER!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0After his third shout, Adam felt a tug on his sleeve.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0\u201cAdam, he just… he went… he needed\u00a0to go.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s voice urged reasonableness; Adam felt anything but reasonable.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A tow-head figure dashed from the bushes.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI…\u00a0I\u2019m…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCome here!\u201d\u00a0 It was an order, and Tuck obeyed coming\u00a0immediately\u00a0to stand before Adam.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Looking down into the boy\u2019s face, Adam drew in a slow, deep breath and mentally counted to ten in Latin.\u00a0\u00a0Raising his gaze to include the other encircling boys, he\u00a0forced the harshness,\u00a0if not the sternness,\u00a0from his voice.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWe discussed the fact that\u00a0<\/span>none<\/span><\/i>\u00a0of you\u00a0were to leave my sight alone.\u00a0\u00a0At least two…\u201d Adam paused to raise two fingers.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAlways at least two of you together.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Mitch and the twins nodded.\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe cleared his throat.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTuck\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0think\u00a0ya\u00a0meant even\u00a0just to go.\u00a0\u00a0He\u00a0ain\u2019t\u00a0spent much time out in the woods.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Tuck\u00a0stood wide-eyed and swallowed repeatedly.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam drew in another deep breath.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhich is even more reason….\u00a0Let me clarify.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0There are no exceptions\u00a0to at least two of you being together\u00a0if you are not with me.\u00a0\u00a0I need to know where you are if you are out of my sight.\u00a0\u00a0No\u00a0exceptions!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Are things now clear?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

All five boys gave respectful\u00a0<\/span>yes-sirs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/i>Tuck added, \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The tremor\u00a0in the child\u2019s voice made Adam feel like he had just kicked a puppy.\u00a0\u00a0Adam reached out and tousled Tuck\u2019s hair.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI know the other boys have more experience with hunting trips.\u201d\u00a0 He chuckled.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAnd with me being in charge.\u00a0\u00a0Just… well, ask if\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0not certain.\u00a0\u00a0Error on the side of caution.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam\u00a0always does!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe\u2019s voice was teasing, and he easily dodged his brother\u2019s swinging hand.\u00a0\u00a0The other boys nodded\u00a0and snickered.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMount up!\u201d\u00a0 Adam sighed and mounted himself.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

~CS4CS4CS4~<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

They stopped for lunch beside a small pond and feasted on Hop Sing\u2019s roast beef\u00a0sandwiches along with pickles, canned peaches, and\u00a0Mrs. Devlin\u2019s applesauce cake.\u00a0\u00a0They\u00a0washed it down with ginger\u00a0water, and Adam gave only a passing thought to a good cup of coffee.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDoes that pond come from a spring?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam was pleased that Tuck\u00a0again\u00a0felt comfortable enough to ask him\u00a0a\u00a0question.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNo, the water comes from rain falling at a\u00a0higher elevation, um, higher up the mountain.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0see\u00a0no creek.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThere\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0any creek, Mitch.\u00a0\u00a0The water sinks into the ground, gathers into an underground\u00a0pool, and then the rocks and underground formations form a natural\u00a0pipeline\u00a0bringing the water down and back to the\u00a0surface. There\u00a0is an opening about\u00a0thirty\u00a0feet\u00a0up that\u00a0incline\u00a0on the opposite side.\u00a0\u00a0There\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0always a pond here.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0If there is too little rain up higher, the pond dries up.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBut the water\u2019s not full of dirt from being in the ground.\u201d\u00a0 Jeb looked\u00a0at\u00a0Adam for\u00a0an\u00a0explanation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0real\u00a0clear.\u00a0\u00a0I drank some.\u201d\u00a0 Jeff\u00a0joined his twin in gazing at Adam.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat\u2019s\u00a0due to percolation.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPer…cu…what?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam leaned forward.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThere are layers under the dirt that we\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0see.\u00a0\u00a0Layers of sand and then rock.\u00a0\u00a0Some of those rocks\u00a0are porous, um… full of the tiniest holes.\u00a0\u00a0Too tiny to really see but not too tiny for water to travel through.\u00a0\u00a0The sand and porous rock allow the water to\u00a0percolate\u00a0which means travel through something leaving behind impurities, in this case dirt and the other things in the ground that we\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0want to drink.\u00a0\u00a0Understand?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYeah, but…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBut what, Mitch?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat was\u00a0just about the\u00a0same as a science lesson in school.\u00a0\u00a0We\u2019re\u00a0supposed to\u00a0be on a break from learning.\u201d\u00a0 Even though he had found the information interesting, Mitch\u00a0objected based on principle.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam doesn\u2019t believe in breaks from learning.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s head shook mournfully.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t.\u00a0\u00a0I also\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0remember agreeing\u00a0not to enlighten you boys when the opportunity arises.\u00a0\u00a0Apparently, there\u00a0was\u00a0more than one loophole in our agreement.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cApparently.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe chewed his lower lip.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWe could amend the agreement.\u201d\u00a0 He gave his brother a cheeky grin.\u00a0\u00a0Adam had been the one to teach him what an\u00a0amendment\u00a0was.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam\u2019s snort covered the fact that he was pleased\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe remembered\u00a0previous\u00a0instruction at his elder brother\u2019s knee.\u00a0\u00a0Adam rubbed his chin as\u00a0if he\u00a0were\u00a0considering options. \u201cAn\u00a0amendment\u00a0is usually voted upon.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYeah,\u00a0let\u2019s\u00a0vote.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat\u2019s\u00a0right;\u00a0we should vote.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cRight!\u00a0\u00a0We\u00a0can\u00a0use a\u00a0show\u00a0of hands.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam bowed his head in acquiescence.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThe amendment on the floor is that there will be no school-related instruction\u00a0until this trip is completed.\u00a0\u00a0All in favor raise your hand.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Four hands quickly rose\u00a0and waved\u00a0in\u00a0the air.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cOne, two, three, four.\u00a0Four in favor.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0The boys\u2019 heads swiveled looking for the defector among them.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI… I thought it was interesting.\u00a0\u00a0I\u00a0like\u00a0to learn.\u201d Tuck\u00a0shrugged.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe know; we know.\u00a0\u00a0He\u2019s\u00a0about as bad as you, Adam,\u00a0about learning stuff.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe smiled.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThe amendment passed\u00a0anyway.\u00a0\u00a0So, no more school lectures, elder brother!\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam gave a tip of his hat and then ordered them on\u00a0their\u00a0way.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

~CS4CS4CS4~<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

With one more stop to rest the horses and consume Tuck\u2019s mother\u2019s iced\u00a0gingerbread, the band reached the meadow with at least an hour of daylight left and found a suitable spot to camp.\u00a0\u00a0Adam gave out assignments,\u00a0and\u00a0the group\u00a0finished in time\u00a0to\u00a0watch the sunset over the waterfall.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As\u00a0Adam heated\u00a0the\u00a0crock of\u00a0stew Hop Sing had sent\u00a0along, he\u00a0set\u00a0the\u00a0premade\u00a0biscuits\u00a0and\u00a0berry pie\u00a0near the fire to warm.\u00a0\u00a0He looked around, counted five young heads, and relaxed,\u00a0glad that\u00a0the\u00a0provided\u00a0provisions made\u00a0for an almost work free meal.\u00a0\u00a0He also told himself that tomorrow morning he would be having coffee even if it elicited an argument with his brother who would not be having any.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCan we wait until morning to clean the plates?\u201d\u00a0 Mitch leaned back lazily.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Since it was too dark\u00a0to see the water\u2019s edge, Adam quickly\u00a0agreed\u00a0the dishes could wait.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThe horses are settled for the night?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Little Joe glanced around at his\u00a0friends’\u00a0nodding heads.\u00a0\u201cYeah, everything you told us to do is\u00a0done.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cExcellent.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSo now, we can have some fun!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe\u2019s eyes danced.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cFun?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Mitch sat up.\u00a0\u201cWe could play some poker.\u00a0\u00a0I brought\u00a0a deck of cards.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam looked at Mitch.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cDo you have money with you?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cUm, no, well, three cents.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam watched the other boys\u00a0shake their heads. \u201cThen it\u00a0wouldn\u2019t\u00a0be fair.\u00a0\u00a0I could buy every pot.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Tuck, whose father did not believe in gambling\u00a0at all, was quick to interject.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNo, it wouldn\u2019t\u00a0be fair, so\u00a0we\u2019ll do something else.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe could arm wrestle.\u201d\u00a0 Jeff\u00a0volunteered.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOr just plain wrestle.\u201d\u00a0 Jeb\u00a0added.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo wrestling in the camp, boys.\u00a0\u00a0Well, arm wrestling would be fine.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cExcept Mitch always\u00a0wins\u00a0arm wrestling.\u201d Jeb\u2019s voice had a distinct whine.\u00a0\u00a0\u2018Sides,\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0about wore out.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam sensed the need for intervention.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cSomething less physical then.\u00a0\u00a0On round up and on the trail,\u00a0the hands\u00a0sometimes\u00a0sing around the campfire.\u00a0\u00a0Of course, one of them usually has a harmonica in his pocket.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Tuck\u00a0hopped up.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI\u2019ve\u00a0got one!\u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0in my saddle bag.\u00a0\u00a0I can play three songs\u00a0good\u00a0and fake\u00a0some others.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDig it out then.\u201d\u00a0 Tuck retrieved the\u00a0instrument,\u00a0and\u00a0Adam led the group\u00a0through\u00a0Tuck\u2019s entire\u00a0repertoire.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTuck\u00a0can\u2019t play it, but we could teach everybody the one you and Hoss sing about Too-Fine Sal.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe grinned widely as Adam shifted nervously.\u00a0\u00a0Joe was glad his elder brother\u00a0did\u00a0not\u00a0know that\u00a0he had heard the entire song\u00a0one\u00a0night\u00a0when his brothers had come home three sheets to the wind as Pa called it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cUm, I suppose two or three verses.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe\u00a0rolled his eyes;\u00a0the song did not get\u00a0bawdy\u00a0until verse four.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After the boys had the respectable\u00a0portion\u00a0of the\u00a0tavern\u00a0song memorized, Adam\u00a0declared there was no more to the song while Little Joe\u00a0shook his head and giggled\u00a0softly behind\u00a0his brother\u2019s back.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat now?\u201d Mitch had the least affinity for music.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Little Joe looked at his brother and then around at his friends.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAdam can tell\u00a0a real good\u00a0tale when he wants to.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYeah, yeah, he can!\u201d\u00a0 Mitch had heard Adam spin a\u00a0yarn\u00a0many times.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDo you want to?\u201d\u00a0 Tuck\u2019s question was voiced softly and with respect.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0got to be something rousing, Adam.\u00a0\u00a0Remember,\u00a0you\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0be instructional.\u00a0\u00a0We want pirates or…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBattles!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOutlaws.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOr ghosts.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam rolled his eyes.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cSettle on your bedrolls.\u201d\u00a0 He then\u00a0proceeded\u00a0to deliver a tale\u00a0about a ghost ship whose pirates\u00a0battled against\u00a0a gang of Western outlaws.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNow,\u00a0it\u00a0stays quiet from here on.\u00a0\u00a0The lot of you need to get some rest,\u00a0or\u00a0I\u2019ll\u00a0have to wake you with a river water dousing.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s\u00a0mock glare went unnoticed in the darkness.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cShould we set a guard,\u00a0Mr.\u00a0Adam?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Tuck\u00a0was entirely serious.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI think we can get by\u00a0without\u00a0one.\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0a light sleeper,\u00a0and the horses are close enough to raise the alarm\u00a0if they smell a predator.\u201d\u00a0 Only\u00a0Little Joe picked\u00a0up\u00a0the warning in his brother\u2019s pronouncement.\u00a0\u00a0Of course,\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe had\u00a0rued\u00a0the fact that his elder brother truly was a light sleeper\u00a0countless times.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

~CS4CS4CS4~<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam put more wood on the fire and set the coffee to boil.\u00a0\u00a0He looked\u00a0around at the sleeping youngsters and watched Tuck sit up, stretch, and get to his feet.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGood morning.\u00a0\u00a0You\u2019re\u00a0an early riser, I see.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYeah, I guess I\u00a0am.\u00a0\u00a0Um, Mr. Adam…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cUse those bushes over there.\u00a0\u00a0If I stand\u00a0up, the\u00a0top of your head\u00a0won\u2019t\u00a0be out of my sight.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Tuck grinned.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam stood as the boy darted into the bushes and waited for him to\u00a0emerge\u00a0before he sat back down.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cUse the water in that canteen.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOkay.\u00a0\u00a0Um, the plates need cleaning before breakfast.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019ll\u00a0be handing out morning chores shortly, but I thought to give those sleepyheads about fifteen more minutes.\u00a0\u00a0Besides, I need a cup of coffee before I\u00a0attempt\u00a0getting Joe to rise.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWould you really douse them with river water?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOnly as a last resort.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOh.\u00a0\u00a0Joe always says you can be\u00a0really\u00a0strict.\u00a0\u00a0I thought…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat he was simply grousing?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat it was mostly an\u00a0exaggeration.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0not, well, not exactly.\u00a0\u00a0Tuck,\u00a0you have a\u00a0little sister, I imagine you have charge of her from time to time.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYeah, sometimes Mama needs me to watch her.\u00a0\u00a0She\u2019s\u00a0only four.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDo you let her do whatever she likes?\u00a0Go off alone, jump off things, play with\u00a0a shiny knife?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGosh, no!\u201d Adam let the boy think in silence.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cOh, I see.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSince\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0an elder brother, I\u00a0thought you might.\u00a0\u00a0The other boys, well…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThe twins say their older sister can be worse\u00a0than\u00a0their mama.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSome things only the eldest can really understand.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled\u00a0conspiratorially. \u201cBut it\u2019s not so bad being part of that\u00a0club.\u201d\u00a0 The twins\u2019\u00a0rising drew Adam\u2019s attention.\u00a0\u00a0He\u00a0\u00a0 pointed\u00a0toward the prescribed latrine area\u00a0and\u00a0reached for the coffee pot.\u00a0\u00a0Pouring a cup, he sighed\u00a0and\u00a0drank a few swallows before the twins joined them.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThe three of you can get our dishes clean and bring back fresh\u00a0water.\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe and Mitch will have the job of\u00a0tending the horses.\u00a0\u00a0Then\u00a0all of\u00a0you can\u00a0see we have a good supply of firewood while I cook breakfast.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0He paused and then added a mild warning.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThe rocks are slippery near the water, and it\u2019s far too\u00a0cold\u00a0to get drenched.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jeb exchanged a look with his brother.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cOkay, Mr. Adam, no horseplaying and no…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cReal\u00a0tussles.\u00a0\u00a0We know.\u201d\u00a0 Jeff finished his twin\u2019s assurance.\u00a0\u00a0As the boys\u00a0gathered\u00a0the\u00a0dishes\u00a0and\u00a0canteens;\u00a0Adam\u00a0finished\u00a0his\u00a0coffee.\u00a0\u00a0He then sighed and\u00a0walked over to the two still sleeping boys.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cJoe.\u00a0\u00a0Mitch.\u201d\u00a0 Neither boy stirred.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cJoseph!\u00a0\u00a0Mitchell!\u201d\u00a0 There was a low moan from Little Joe and a slight stir from Mitch.\u00a0Adam squatted\u00a0down and\u00a0increased his\u00a0sternness\u00a0rather than his volume.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou\u2019re thirty seconds from a dousing.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Mitch opened his eyes and sat up;\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe opened one eye and focused on his brother\u2019s hands.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou\u00a0ain\u2019t\u00a0got any water.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe.\u201d\u00a0 The syllable was\u00a0quiet, hard, and sharp-edged.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m getting up.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe sighed and rose to a seated\u00a0position.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam shook his head.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cTake care of business,\u00a0and then\u00a0the two of you\u00a0are in charge of\u00a0caring for the horses.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOkay!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe had intended to check on\u00a0the horses\u00a0anyway.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThere\u2019s\u00a0also\u00a0firewood to be gathered.\u00a0\u00a0If you\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0get to breakfast on time,\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0letting the others eat it all.\u201d\u00a0 The sternness was\u00a0gone,\u00a0but neither boy\u00a0thought Adam was only teasing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

~CS4CS4CS4~<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam mentally congratulated himself on not burning the camp biscuits and frying the bacon crispy.\u00a0\u00a0Setting down his plate, he picked up his coffee cup and smiled.\u00a0\u00a0There had been no argument\u00a0about the boys not drinking coffee.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMr. Adam?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat,\u00a0Jeb?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThere\u2019s\u00a0a\u00a0spot\u00a0we saw with some\u00a0real fine\u00a0trout swimming all over.\u00a0 We went down a\u00a0ways\u00a0to do the dishes so\u2019s we\u00a0wouldn\u2019t\u00a0disturb them.\u201d\u00a0 He looked over at his twin who\u00a0finished his\u00a0thoughts.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cFresh trout would be\u00a0real\u00a0fine tasting.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThey would.\u201d\u00a0 Adam set down his plate.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cLittle\u00a0Joe, did you think to pack a fishing net?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYeah.\u00a0\u00a0Hoss said I should.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cUm,\u00a0do\u00a0the lot of you still want to see the Indian paintings?\u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0a hike up hill to see them.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The boys all voiced their desire to be shown the ancient drawings.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWell, we could set the net\u00a0before we head out, have pan-fried trout for lunch, and use the afternoon for small game hunting.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0We could save\u00a0tomorrow\u00a0for\u00a0the larger game.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat sounds good!\u201d\u00a0 Tuck\u2019s voice held an extra touch of\u00a0enthusiasm\u00a0for the suggestion.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAny objections?\u201d\u00a0 Adam sent his gaze around the boys. Receiving none, he rose.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThat will be the plan then.\u00a0\u00a0Uhm, Joe,\u00a0do\u00a0you and Mitch remember how\u00a0to set the net?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Little Joe jumped up.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cOf course!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJeff and I know how too!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThen the four of you have that job if you can guarantee that all of you will stay dry.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Little Joe rolled his eyes.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAll right, no swimming!\u201d\u00a0 He giggled\u00a0and backed further away from his brother\u2019s reach.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam just shook his head and looked down at Tuck.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThat leaves us with the dishes, partner.\u00a0\u00a0Unfair but…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo, no, it\u2019s fine.\u201d\u00a0 Adam tousled Tuck\u2019s hair and started to gather the dirty dishes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

~CS4CS4CS4~\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam considered the excursion to the Indian paintings a success.\u00a0\u00a0He had managed\u00a0to answer the boys\u2019 questions\u00a0informatively\u00a0without being charged\u00a0with giving a lecture and\u00a0had not needed to correct anyone\u2019s behavior.\u00a0\u00a0In\u00a0the end,\u00a0catastrophe\u00a0came\u00a0as they returned,\u00a0not through\u00a0natural disaster nor boyish misconduct\u00a0nor even thoughtless or impulsive\u00a0behavior; it\u00a0came\u00a0through\u00a0a simple accident.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The trail allowed the boys to walk three abreast.\u00a0\u00a0The twins and Tuck lead the\u00a0way;\u00a0Little Joe and Mitch followed\u00a0them.\u00a0The boys chattered about what they had seen.\u00a0Adam was walking slightly behind\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe and Mitch.\u00a0\u00a0When Mitch\u00a0slipped on some loose gravel, Adam\u00a0instinctively\u00a0reached out\u00a0to keep him from falling and was unbalanced when Mitch landed\u00a0in front of him.\u00a0\u00a0Adam stumbled over Mitch\u2019s leg, tried to avoid trampling the boy,\u00a0and ended up\u00a0propelling\u00a0himself forward, catching his foot on a rock,\u00a0and flinging\u00a0himself into a granite outcropping that snapped his right tibia.\u00a0\u00a0He also managed to land in a way that sprained his wrist.\u00a0\u00a0His short cry\u00a0brought five boys to his side.\u00a0\u00a0He drew in shallow breaths and tried to force down the pain.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Adam recognized his brother\u2019s voice and the fear that filled it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou all right, Mr. Adam?\u201d\u00a0 That was\u00a0Tuck.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u00a0didn\u2019t…\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0sorry!\u201d\u00a0 Mitch was at least uninjured enough to speak.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat should we do?\u201d\u00a0 The twins\u2019 voices were stereophonic.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam\u00a0drew\u00a0enough breath to speak.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cIs Mitch okay?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m\u00a0okay, Mr. Adam.\u00a0\u00a0But you…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYour leg\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0look right.\u201d\u00a0 Jeff\u2019s\u00a0observation brought\u00a0murmurs\u00a0of agreement.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou\u2019re\u00a0hurt\u00a0bad, aren\u2019t\u00a0ya?\u00a0\u00a0Little Joe was on his knees beside his brother.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNow, Joe,\u00a0it\u2019s not like I haven\u2019t broken a bone or two before.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Experience\u00a0told him\u00a0that\u00a0he\u00a0had\u00a0again. \u201cYou have\u00a0also.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBut…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe should check and see how bad.\u201d\u00a0 Tuck spoke with\u00a0a\u00a0calm assurance\u00a0that\u00a0Adam\u00a0had\u00a0never\u00a0heard\u00a0from\u00a0the boy.\u00a0\u00a0Bringing out his pocketknife and opening it, Tuck split the seam of Adam\u2019s pants before\u00a0anyone could agree or protest.\u00a0\u00a0He then moved the hanging fabric out of the way.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The\u00a0boys’\u00a0gasps\u00a0confirmed what Adam had\u00a0already\u00a0known: it was more than a simple break.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0bleeding some,\u00a0and some\u00a0bone, I guess,\u00a0is\u00a0peaking through.\u00a0\u00a0I think a\u00a0surgeon\u00a0is going to need to set it.\u201d\u00a0 Tuck announced.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe don\u2019t know no surgeons!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Anxiety\u00a0was\u00a0overtaking Jeff\u2019s voice.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDoc Martain is a surgeon sometimes.\u00a0\u00a0He does operations.\u00a0\u00a0He…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Little Joe had jumped to his feet.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI\u2019ll\u00a0go….\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo!\u201d\u00a0 Adam managed to achieve both volume and command. \u201cYou will not…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBut you need a doctor.\u00a0\u00a0I know the way.\u00a0\u00a0I can get him, Adam; I can.\u201d\u00a0 Adam heard\u00a0hysteria\u00a0edging into his brother\u2019s voice and pushed down his own panic.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He reached out,\u00a0clasp\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe\u2019s wrist,\u00a0and played the only card that might keep his brother from riding off on his own.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cJoe, I need my brother; I need you here.\u201d\u00a0 He could feel when\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe capitulated.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Mitch stood.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI can…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo.\u201d Adam let his eyes catch the eyes of all the boys staring at him. \u201cI need all of you here to work together.\u00a0\u00a0We\u2019ll\u00a0all be fine if\u00a0we\u00a0work together.\u00a0\u00a0Right?\u00a0\u00a0Can\u00a0I count on each of you?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Lying on his back in the dirt, hands clenched against the pain, Adam still managed to speak with calm reassurance.\u00a0\u00a0Slowly, one after another, all five boys nodded their heads; each\u00a0assured\u00a0that\u00a0he\u00a0could be counted on.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGood men.\u00a0\u00a0Now, Jeb, you have the pack\u00a0we brought.\u201d\u00a0 Adam gave thanks that the boys had wanted to share the burden\u00a0so that he\u00a0had not been wearing the pack with the medical kit.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cJoe, get out Hop Sing\u2019s kit and\u00a0open it.\u00a0\u00a0Jeff and Jeb,\u00a0we\u2019ll\u00a0need two sturdy sticks about the\u00a0length of my lower leg\u00a0to….\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cUse for splints.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe\u2019ll get them!\u201d\u00a0 The twins started off.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cStay together.\u00a0\u00a0Don\u2019t\u00a0run!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The\u00a0twins\u2019\u00a0steps\u00a0slowed.\u00a0\u201cWe\u2019ll\u00a0be careful.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTuck, you check Mitch over.\u00a0\u00a0Make\u00a0sure\u00a0he\u2019s\u00a0as fine as he thinks he is.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Mitch rolled his eyes.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThe only thing I\u00a0busted\u00a0was\u00a0my behind,\u00a0and he\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0need to check that.\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0fine, Mr. Adam, really.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHumor me.\u00a0\u00a0And, Mitch, it\u00a0wasn\u2019t\u00a0your fault; it was an accident.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Adam turned his gaze to his brother.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing gives you a clean handkerchief each morning.\u00a0 Have you used\u00a0yesterday\u2019s\u00a0yet?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThen\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0still clean.\u00a0\u00a0Use it\u00a0and water from a canteen\u00a0to\u00a0clean the wound.\u00a0There\u00a0should be soap in the\u00a0kit. \u00a0When\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0clean,\u00a0put a bandage over it.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOkay.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe drew in a deep breath and made his movements\u00a0deliberate and gentle.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMitch has some scrapes on his hands, but that\u2019s all.\u201d\u00a0 Tuck sounded sure of his\u00a0diagnosis.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cClean\u00a0them out\u00a0well.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou got\u00a0some\u00a0too, Adam.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, then…\u201d Adam\u00a0drew in\u00a0a\u00a0breath\u00a0to steady himself, and Little Joe went to work.\u00a0\u00a0The twins returned as he finished the job.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe\u00a0got some and\u00a0some extra…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201c…\u00a0so\u00a0you could pick the best.\u201d\u00a0 Jeb held out the sticks in his hand.\u00a0\u00a0Adam\u00a0automatically\u00a0reached for them.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cLook at his wrist!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0swelling!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIs it\u00a0broken?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTalk about me not telling.\u201d\u00a0 Mitch ended with a snort.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt is not broken.\u201d\u00a0 Adam sighed.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0not.\u00a0\u00a0It is sprained, and\u00a0we\u2019ll\u00a0deal\u00a0with it\u00a0after we deal with my leg.\u00a0\u00a0Those look fine, boys.\u00a0\u00a0Pick the two strongest and smoothest.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam, this is laudanum, isn\u2019t it?\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe held up a small brown bottle.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u00a0prepared\u00a0mentally for\u00a0a\u00a0fight.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou need to take some.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI need a clear head.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou\u2019re\u00a0hurting already. Doc Martin\u00a0made\u00a0me\u00a0take it\u00a0when I broke my arm.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Adam recognized the stubborn\u00a0insistence\u00a0that\u00a0had entered his brother\u2019s voice.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDifferent circumstances.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBroke is\u00a0broke, and hurting is hurting!\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0splinting\u00a0is\u00a0gonna\u00a0hurt a lot.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI am still in\u00a0charge and…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPlease, Adam, please.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe had turned to pleading.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMaybe just\u00a0a drop, Mr. Adam.\u00a0\u00a0To take the edge off.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Tuck spoke softly while Mitch\u00a0and the\u00a0twins\u00a0nodded\u00a0their\u00a0encouragement.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam studied the young faces hovering over him. \u201cOne drop.\u00a0\u00a0Only one drop!\u201d\u00a0 He stuck out his tongue.\u00a0\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe\u00a0made sure the drop was a large one.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam then\u00a0proceeded\u00a0to give step-by-step instructions which the boys\u00a0followed\u00a0to\u00a0the letter.\u00a0\u00a0When Adam\u2019s leg was securely splinted, Tuck and\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe wrapped\u00a0his wrist, and Mitch made a sling\u00a0tying it around Adam\u2019s neck.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAll right.\u00a0\u00a0First, each of you take a deep drink of water.\u201d\u00a0 Adam managed a slight smile. \u201cSeeing as how we\u00a0haven\u2019t\u00a0any whiskey.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa would kill\u00a0ya\u00a0if we did!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI have full confidence that none of you would tattle.\u201d\u00a0 Adam saw the tension in the boys, even Little Joe,\u00a0ease slightly.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNow, Mitch, do you know the way back\u00a0to camp?\u00a0\u00a0Tell me if\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0not sure.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOf course I do!\u201d\u00a0 Mitch was slightly affronted at the question.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam knew the boy had\u00a0a\u00a0good\u00a0visual memory and\u00a0a sharp\u00a0sense of\u00a0direction.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThen, you and Tuck will go back to camp, and bring back\u00a0one of the packhorses and some other things we\u2019ll need.\u201d\u00a0 Tuck had\u00a0shown\u00a0himself the least impulsive and most\u00a0biddable\u00a0of the bunch.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cShould I bring Old Ben or Big Sam?\u201d\u00a0 Mitch was eager to accept responsibility\u00a0for the mission.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBig Sam.\u201d Adam\u00a0then\u00a0proceeded\u00a0to list what he wanted.\u00a0\u00a0He finished with\u00a0\u201cBring back something that\u00a0doesn\u2019t need cooking for\u00a0lunch.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI thought Hoss was the one always thinking about his stomach.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe was trying for humor.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCan\u2019t have none of\u00a0you\u00a0young\u2019uns fainting\u00a0dead\u00a0away from\u00a0starvation.\u201d\u00a0 Adam managed\u00a0a\u00a0recognizable\u00a0imitation of\u00a0their middle brother.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCome on, Tuck.\u00a0\u00a0We\u2019ll\u00a0be back quick as…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMitch, you will not run.\u00a0\u00a0You will walk quickly but with care,\u00a0and the two of you will stay\u00a0together\u00a0at all times.\u00a0\u00a0Am I clear?\u00a0\u00a0The last thing\u00a0we need is another fall.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTuck?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d\u00a0 Tuck leaned closer to\u00a0Adam\u00a0and whispered.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI\u2019ll\u00a0see to him like\u00a0an elder\u00a0brother, Mr. Adam.\u201d\u00a0 He hopped up,\u00a0joined Mitch, and the two boys started down the trail.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNow, Jeff and Jeb, the two of you will find two young, thin, but sturdy trees.\u00a0\u00a0When they return with\u00a0the hatchet…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe\u2019re\u00a0gonna\u00a0make a travois.\u00a0\u00a0We are,\u00a0aren\u2019t\u00a0we,\u00a0Adam.\u00a0\u00a0Yea, a travois,\u00a0that\u2019s\u00a0what we need.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes, Joe, we are going to make a travois.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The\u00a0twins hopped up.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWe saw one once, didn\u2019t we,\u00a0Jeff?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYep, we know what to look for.\u201d\u00a0 Jeff\u00a0‘s\u00a0gaze fell,\u00a0and he\u00a0caught Adam\u2019s eye.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cStay together,\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0tussle, no foolishness.\u00a0\u00a0We know, Mr. Adam;\u00a0we know.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThe knowing is not what I worry about.\u00a0\u00a0Don\u2019t\u00a0go beyond\u00a0my\u00a0call!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jeff and Jeb\u00a0shook\u00a0their heads in unison and set out.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat\u2019s\u00a0my job, Adam?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTaking care of\u00a0your big brother.\u00a0\u00a0Make the best of this one-time opportunity.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

~CS4CS4CS4~\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The twins\u00a0returned\u00a0with assurances\u00a0that they had\u00a0located\u00a0two trees\u00a0just right\u00a0for the\u00a0travois’\u00a0poles close to hand, and the group discussed\u00a0its\u00a0method of construction until Mitch and Tuck returned.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam insisted that the boys eat before doing anything else, and they insisted that\u00a0he eat something also.\u00a0\u00a0Lunch\u00a0was\u00a0quickly\u00a0consumed, and the construction of the travois began.\u00a0\u00a0Adam\u00a0supervised and was surprised at how well the\u00a0boys\u00a0followed\u00a0his\u00a0instructions\u00a0and worked as a team.\u00a0\u00a0When the travois was completed\u00a0and\u00a0hitched to\u00a0a placid Big Sam, Adam gave in\u00a0to\u00a0Little Joe\u2019s insistence that he take another drop of laudanum.\u00a0Then the process of transferring Adam to the travois\u00a0was\u00a0accomplished.\u00a0\u00a0Mitch handled\u00a0Big Sam. Jeff\u00a0and Jeb,\u00a0being the stoutest,\u00a0stood on either side\u00a0of Adam\u00a0and lifted his\u00a0torso.\u00a0\u00a0Tuck lifted his uninjured\u00a0leg,\u00a0and Joe took\u00a0responsibility\u00a0for the\u00a0injured limb.\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0boys’\u00a0movements were deliberate and well-coordinated, and Adam managed not to scream.\u00a0\u00a0Once he was\u00a0on the travois, their\u00a0belts became straps securing him\u00a0and his leg\u00a0in place.\u00a0\u00a0The trek back to camp was slow but completed safely\u00a0just as the sun began to set.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe\u2019ll gather things up, get the horses saddled, and …\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo.\u201d Adam\u2019s declaration stopped\u00a0Little Joe and the other\u00a0boys and brought all eyes to him.\u00a0\u00a0He made his\u00a0tone\u00a0commanding as he was able.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWe\u2019ll stay the night and start back in the morning.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Little Joe ignored the commanding tone; he had heard it often before.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cBut you need a doctor.\u00a0\u00a0You know you do,\u00a0and\u00a0we\u2019re\u00a0going to get you to one.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat I need is to get you… to get us all back home safely.\u00a0\u00a0We will not be\u00a0traveling in the dark.\u00a0\u00a0First light is soon enough.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou go off riding in the night.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJospeh!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0important that you…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou told Pa that you would mind me.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBut…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAll of you promised your folks the same.\u201d\u00a0 Adam gazed at each boy and then back at his brother. \u201cI\u2019m\u00a0not\u00a0threatening\u00a0you\u00a0even though I could.\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0asking you not to fight me on this.\u00a0\u00a0Please.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe, maybe, well, maybe…\u201d Tuck\u2019s voice was\u00a0hesitant.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jeff and Jeb exchanged a look.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWe did promise\u00a0our ma.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Mitch sighed.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cIn the dark and tired and all.\u00a0\u00a0We\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0want\u00a0no\u00a0more accidents.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cLittle\u00a0Joe,\u00a0it\u00a0is\u00a0for\u00a0the best.\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0thought it through.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBut your leg!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam stared directly into his brother\u2019s worried eyes.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0think the hours\u00a0we\u2019re\u00a0here will make\u00a0the\u00a0difference.\u00a0\u00a0If I did,\u00a0we\u2019d\u00a0head out, but\u00a0I don\u2019t.\u00a0\u00a0I\u00a0wouldn\u2019t\u00a0do anything that would leave any of you feeling guilty\u00a0about what happened.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Little Joe sighed.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cOkay, but if we stay you\u00a0have to\u00a0take enough laudanum to sleep.\u00a0\u00a0Doc always says\u00a0a body\u00a0needs to rest.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI have to be able to wake up if needed.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHalf a dose then.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cA quarter dose.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cA third of a dose.\u201d Tuck spoke\u00a0as if the matter was settled.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWe\u2019re going to take turns sitting up with you, so everything should be fine.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Little Joe looked down at Adam.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAgreed?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam sighed. \u201cAgreed.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

~CS4CS4CS4~<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The boys managed\u00a0to prepare\u00a0an edible supper.\u00a0\u00a0In fact, Jeff\u00a0showed\u00a0an aptitude\u00a0for frying trout, and Jeb\u2019s biscuits were neither burnt nor hard.\u00a0\u00a0The twins also made enough of both that a breakfast of cold fish and biscuits would hasten the morning\u2019s\u00a0departure.\u00a0\u00a0Everything that could be done before morning was finished and the rest made ready.\u00a0\u00a0Lots were drawn for the order\u00a0in which\u00a0the boys would keep\u00a0watch\u00a0over Adam,\u00a0and Adam\u00a0handed over his\u00a0timepiece\u00a0to Mitch.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Without the need for discussion, Adam had\u00a0remained\u00a0on the lowered travois though the boys had helped him settle against his upturned saddle so that he\u00a0could\u00a0both eat and keep an eye\u00a0on his charges.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m sorry\u00a0so much of your bedding is in use.\u201d\u00a0 Adam sighed.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u00a0ain\u2019t\u00a0any\u00a0worry, Mr. Adam.\u00a0\u00a0We\u2019re\u00a0gonna\u00a0double up in pairs, and\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0a blanket for whoever is on watch.\u201d\u00a0 Jeff\u00a0managed to finish his entire reassurance without his twin\u00a0speaking.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGood thinking.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cSettle down now.\u00a0\u00a0Morning will come early.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Little Joe held up the little brown bottle and a\u00a0cup of\u00a0water.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou\u2019ve\u00a0got medicine to take first.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam lost his smile and fought the desire to demand he be the one to count out the drops.\u00a0\u00a0He looked around at\u00a0the faces of the boys.\u00a0\u00a0He sighed again.\u00a0\u00a0He had an example to set.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cOkay.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Little Joe dripped one-third of the\u00a0bottle\u2019s\u00a0recommended dosage into the water and handed it to his brother.\u00a0\u00a0Adam took a sip and\u00a0coughed at\u00a0the bitterness.\u00a0 \u201cNo\u00a0spitting!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam rolled his eyes and drained the cup.\u00a0\u201cThere!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGood boy!\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe managed a\u00a0fair\u00a0imitation\u00a0of their Pa.\u00a0He took the cup.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cCome on, fellows.\u00a0\u00a0He needs his rest.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0Mitch settled down on a flat\u00a0rock beside Adam,\u00a0and the other boys lay\u00a0down.\u00a0\u00a0Adam listened carefully, but as the boys quieted, he felt the laudanum pulling him into sleep. \u201cDon\u2019t\u00a0worry,\u00a0Mr.\u00a0Adam,\u00a0I\u2019ll\u00a0wake\u00a0ya\u00a0if\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0needed.\u00a0\u00a0I promise.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Mitch voice was the last he heard until he roused for the changing of the guard.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDid you get some sleep?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes.\u00a0\u00a0Did you get some, Mr. Adam?\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes, Tuck, I did.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThen get some more!\u201d\u00a0 The command was voiced softly and ended with a softer giggle. Adam closed his eyes and drifted into sleep again.\u00a0\u00a0He was aware when Jeb and then Jeff took over but did not rouse completely.\u00a0\u00a0When Little Joe arrived, he opened his eyes and\u00a0studied\u00a0his\u00a0brother in the fire light.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou worry too much.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe spoke softly.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cForce of\u00a0habit.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou should take some more medicine.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBefore we\u00a0leave\u00a0then.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019ll\u00a0be getting the others up in an hour.\u00a0\u00a0We\u2019ll\u00a0be ready to go at first light.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe.\u201d\u00a0 Adam paused and considered his words.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cDon\u2019t\u00a0pick up my bad habits.\u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0not your place to worry about me.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI do though, and not just now.\u00a0\u00a0You should keep that in mind.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam gave a slow shake of his head.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI shall.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

~CS4CS4CS4~<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The last shades of dawn still painted the sky when the journey home began.\u00a0\u00a0The boys rotated the jobs of leading\u00a0Big Sam, Old Ben, and Sport\u00a0while\u00a0two boys always\u00a0flanked the\u00a0travois.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The group made steady\u00a0though slow\u00a0progress, and\u00a0despite knowing\u00a0he was developing a fever, Adam relaxed slightly as the miles brought them closer to the ranch.\u00a0\u00a0He reassured himself that Little\u00a0Joe or\u00a0even Mitch\u00a0could find the way home\u00a0if needed.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When Adam insisted that Big Sam and\u00a0all\u00a0the\u00a0other\u00a0horses needed\u00a0water and rest, the group stopped for a lunch\u00a0of\u00a0jerky,\u00a0Hop\u00a0Sing\u2019s bread, and some left over\u00a0applesauce\u00a0cake.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

While they were preparing to head out again, Little Joe came and knelt beside the\u00a0travois.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou have\u00a0a fever.\u00a0\u00a0Don\u2019t\u00a0tell me you\u00a0don\u2019t.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cA slight\u00a0fever is\u00a0to be expected.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThere was some of Hop Sing\u2019s fever tea in the kit.\u00a0I brought you some to take.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cLittle Joe…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0make\u00a0ya\u00a0sleepy or muddleheaded, so there\u00a0ain\u2019t\u00a0no reason for you not to take some.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTrue.\u201d\u00a0 Adam sighed.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAll right.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Little Joe handed Adam\u00a0the\u00a0cup.\u00a0\u00a0Knowing the tea\u2019s unpleasant taste\u00a0from experience, Adam\u00a0downed\u00a0the liquid in three nonstop gulps.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThere.\u201d\u00a0 He thrust the cup back at\u00a0his brother.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGood.\u00a0\u00a0We\u2019re\u00a0ready to head out.\u00a0\u00a0We should make it home not much after dark.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI…\u201d\u00a0 Adam recognized the aftertaste in his mouth as he felt the\u00a0seeping effects of laudanum spread through his body.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhy you… you… just wait…\u201d His\u00a0words slurred away. He did\u00a0hear his\u00a0brother\u2019s\u00a0answer before sleep pulled him into darkness.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI know the\u00a0way;\u00a0Mitch does too.\u00a0\u00a0We\u2019ve\u00a0been this\u00a0far\u00a0lots.\u00a0\u00a0We\u2019ll\u00a0all stay together and go safe.\u00a0\u00a0I promise we will.\u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0time\u00a0ya\u00a0stopped hurting.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

~CS4CS4CS4~<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam\u2019s world became dark and swirling with fading dreams and disembodied voices.\u00a0\u00a0He called the boy\u2019s names\u00a0repeatedly\u00a0and nearly came awake when he thought he heard his father\u2019s voice.\u00a0 Then an even deeper\u00a0darkness\u00a0pulled him into nothingness.\u00a0 When he finally came awake clearheaded enough to recognize his surroundings, he was in his own room with\u00a0his\u00a0father sitting in a chair beside his bed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa.\u201d His voice was\u00a0guttural,\u00a0and his mouth felt full of cotton.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cStay still.\u201d\u00a0 Ben grabbed a glass and held it to his son\u2019s lips.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cSip slowly now.\u00a0\u00a0Good.\u00a0Good.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThe boys?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAre\u00a0asleep\u00a0in Little Joe\u2019s room.\u00a0\u00a0They refused to go home until they could see you.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThey\u2019re alright?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPerfectly fine.\u00a0\u00a0You can stop worrying.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat might not be such a good idea.\u00a0\u00a0If I\u00a0do,\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0liable to get\u00a0really angry.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThey drugged me,\u00a0Pa.\u00a0\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe… he lied to me.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cFrom what the boys told me, he\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0fabricate; he\u00a0prevaricated.\u00a0\u00a0He simply\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0mention the laudanum in the tea.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam snorted.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAre you changing your opinion on\u00a0prevarication\u00a0being deceit?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo.\u00a0\u00a0Are you changing yours?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam changed the topic.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cMy leg?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPaul says if you mind his orders, it should heal\u00a0just fine.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat all happened while I was\u00a0rendered\u00a0senseless?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThe boys simply kept going following the\u00a0rules\u00a0you\u00a0insisted upon.\u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0not as if Little Joe and Mitch\u00a0haven\u2019t\u00a0roamed over that area\u00a0numerous\u00a0times.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI know.\u201d\u00a0 Adam sighed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhen they got close enough that hands might be in the\u00a0vicinity, they started\u00a0firing off the emergency signal every half-hour.\u00a0\u00a0Hank and Anders heard the third try and found them.\u00a0\u00a0Anders rode for Paul, and Hank escorted the\u00a0boys\u00a0home.\u00a0\u00a0Hop Sing fed\u00a0them;\u00a0Paul\u00a0came and\u00a0set your leg.\u00a0\u00a0Then\u00a0I questioned them three ways to Sunday before putting them to bed.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThere were no more catastrophes then?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNot even any near\u00a0misses.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI may have to forgive them after all.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben smiled.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThey\u2019re\u00a0good boys.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cEntirely capable of becoming excellent con artists if not watched carefully by a firm hand, especially\u00a0Little\u00a0Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled wryly.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThey\u00a0did do\u00a0well, though.\u00a0\u00a0Even before the accident, well,\u00a0they were being good, Pa. I… well, I…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWas making a fine memory?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYeah,\u00a0I think we\u00a0were.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben smiled.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cPerhaps it\u2019s\u00a0a shame that I\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0give you more little brothers.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam snorted.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cNow, Pa, I\u00a0wouldn\u2019t\u00a0go that far.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat\u00a0you will\u00a0do, Adam Stoddard,\u00a0is\u00a0relax\u00a0and\u00a0go\u00a0back to sleep.\u00a0\u00a0Do you need some laudanum?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo, most definitely not!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

~CS4CS4CS4~<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The next time Adam woke;\u00a0it was morning,\u00a0and Hoss was in the bedside chair.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCan\u2019t let either\u00a0one\u00a0of you\u00a0outta\u00a0my sight.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss\u00a0shook his head and\u00a0chuckled.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAt least it wasn\u2019t an earthquake what broke your leg.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHa, ha.\u00a0\u00a0I thought you were going to pray for me.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, now, I did.\u00a0\u00a0I prayed\u00a0you\u00a0wouldn\u2019t\u00a0have\u00a0no\u00a0fusses, fires, floods, or earthquakes;\u00a0and\u00a0that nothing would happen to none of them boys, and sure enough, nothing did.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNext time, perhaps, you could be\u00a0clearer\u00a0and more inclusive when you pray.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSure enough, big brother.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss grew serious.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cDoc says\u00a0ya\u00a0should be fine if\u00a0ya\u00a0follow orders.\u00a0\u00a0Pa\u2019s set\u00a0on\u00a0ya\u00a0doing just that.\u201d\u00a0 He caught Adam\u2019s eyes\u00a0with\u00a0his\u00a0own.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI am too.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019ll\u00a0be good.\u00a0\u00a0I have an example to set.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss smiled.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYes,\u00a0ya\u00a0do.\u00a0\u00a0Them boys…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAh, yes,\u00a0them\u00a0conniving boys…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam!\u00a0\u00a0Now, you\u00a0ain\u2019t\u00a0thinking…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m thinking\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0hungry.\u00a0\u00a0Could you get me some breakfast and some hot coffee?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSure.\u00a0\u00a0Adam,\u00a0them\u00a0boys think\u00a0mighty highly\u00a0of you.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cQuit worrying!\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0more proud than mad.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss grinned.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cBreakfast coming up!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

~CS4CS4CS4~<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Shortly after Hoss\u2019s departure, Little Joe\u2019s head poked into Adam\u2019s bedroom.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCome on in.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Little Joe\u00a0entered,\u00a0followed by Mitch, Tuck, and the twins.\u00a0\u00a0The boys encircled the bed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHow\u00a0ya\u00a0feeling, Adam?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAs well as\u00a0could be expected, and yes, I know that I am to follow doctor\u2019s orders.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGood, because if you\u00a0don\u2019t, well, then I\u00a0won\u2019t\u00a0have to either next time he gives me some.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam rolled his eyes.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cDon\u2019t go there, Joseph.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s voice held no edge, but his face grew serious.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou put laudanum in the tea.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYea, I did,\u00a0and\u00a0I\u2019d\u00a0do it again.\u00a0\u00a0If\u00a0ya\u00a0think\u00a0ya\u00a0gotta…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMr. Adam.\u201d\u00a0 Tuck\u2019s voice\u00a0interrupted\u00a0Little Joe\u2019s. \u201cWe, um, we all\u00a0planned it.\u00a0\u00a0We all agreed.\u00a0\u00a0If you\u00a0need to punish Joe, well, you need to punish us all.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAll five of you?\u201d\u00a0 Adam watched\u00a0as all five boys nodded their heads. Adam sighed.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThat would be quite the task, more a punishment for my arm than your behinds.\u00a0\u00a0Of course, I could spread it out over time.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Little Joe cocked his head.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou\u2019re not mad.\u201d\u00a0 It was an\u00a0observation,\u00a0not a query.\u00a0\u00a0All\u00a0five\u00a0boys relaxed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo, sometimes an elder brother just\u00a0has to\u00a0put up with\u00a0the\u00a0misdeeds\u00a0of little brothers\u00a0especially if\u00a0he\u2019s\u00a0feeling proud of some other things they did.\u00a0\u00a0Now, if I was completely healthy…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDoc Martin\u00a0says you will be soon enough.\u00a0\u00a0He says\u00a0you\u2019ve\u00a0always been a quick healer.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat\u2019s\u00a0true.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou\u2019ll\u00a0probably\u00a0be fine by the time we have our next school break.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYour next school break?\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYeah,\u00a0\u2018cause\u00a0ya\u00a0know our bet was that\u00a0you\u2019d\u00a0take us hunting if\u00a0ya\u00a0lost.\u00a0\u00a0I\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0remember us doing any hunting on this trip, so…\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWait a minute.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou owe us a hunting trip, Mr. Adam.\u201d\u00a0 Tuck\u2019s voice was respectful and\u00a0earnest.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou really do.\u201d\u00a0 Mitch\u2019s voice was forceful.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou know you do.\u201d\u00a0 The twins were once again\u00a0stereophonic.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A deep chuckle filled the air.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThey got\u00a0ya\u00a0there, big brother.\u00a0\u00a0They really do.\u00a0\u00a0Them\u00a0boys\u00a0are slick as a whistle.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam sent a glare toward\u00a0Hoss,\u00a0who now stood in the doorway holding Adam\u2019s breakfast tray.\u00a0\u00a0Adam\u2019s face grew a smirk.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cDon\u2019t\u00a0laugh, little brother, because you will be coming on the next trip!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

~<\/span>The End<\/span><\/i>~<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: Adam loses a bet and\u00a0must\u00a0take Little Joe and four friends hunting in the high country.\u00a0His fears of catastrophe come true in an unexpected way.\u00a0\u00a0This prequel was written for the Chaps and Spurs Quarter Four Challenge.\u00a0\u00a0The five mandated words were: percolate, earthquake, pipeline, surgeon, amendment.\u00a0 Rating: teen\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a07373\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":143,"featured_media":6846,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_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":[2,39,1008,30,40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-61064","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-chaps-spurs","category-family","category-prequels","category-challenges","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-39-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-30-id","wpcat-40-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\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61064","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\/143"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=61064"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61064\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6846"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=61064"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=61064"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=61064"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}