Summary: Hoss and Little Joe stay at a neighbour\u2019s house when Ben is hurt.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 14,000 words<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Sticking Together<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Frank Hallam shielded his eyes from the glare of the sun and readjusted his position on the seat of the buckboard to ease his aching back.\u00a0 It seemed that the chores were never done lately and he hoped that those two boys of his had made a start on fixing the barn roof by the time that he\u2019d got home.\u00a0 They were good boys really \u2026 just a little lazy as boys their age tended to be \u2026 and he was grateful that they were now finished with school and ready to help out on the ranch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He frowned as he saw a horse standing by the side of the road grazing and wondered who would have left such an animal there by itself? It sure looked like one that he\u2019d seen before and he searched his brain to try and remember whose it was.\u00a0 As he brought the horses to a halt and got down from the buckboard he scanned the area quickly, but could see nothing. \u2018Hello!\u2019 he called out as he grabbed hold of the horse\u2019s reins. \u2018Anybody here?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank turned sharply as he heard a low moan in the grass and his eyes opened wide as he saw Ben Cartwright lying face down on the ground. \u2018Ben!\u2019 he called as he ran over to the man. \u2018Ben!\u00a0 Are you all right?\u00a0 Answer me!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He turned Ben over and winced to see the bloody mess that covered his left shoulder. \u2018Who did this to you Ben?\u2019 he asked, but the other man didn\u2019t answer except to moan softly again. \u2018Don\u2019t ya worry none,\u2019 said Frank. \u2018I\u2019ll get ya home Ben.\u00a0 You\u2019re gonna be okay now.\u2019 Carefully he picked the man up and carried him towards his buckboard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul Martin came down the stairs slowly and smiled at Adam as he reached the bottom one.\u00a0 \u2018How is he?\u2019 asked Adam anxiously, getting to his feet and facing the doctor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m not sure,\u2019 replied the doctor as he sat down. \u2018I got the bullet out, but the next day or so will be critical.\u00a0 He\u2019d already lost a lot of blood before Frank found him,\u2019 he nodded briefly to the man who was sitting on the sofa, \u2018and I\u2019m worried that the wound will become infected.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at Adam intently. \u2018I won\u2019t lie to you son, it could be very serious.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sat down again heavily and put his head in his hands. \u2018I can\u2019t believe it,\u2019 he said in a low voice. \u2018Who would do such a thing?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul glanced at Frank and shook his head. \u2018We\u2019ll find out Adam. Whoever did this will pay for it, there\u2019s no doubt about that.\u2019\u00a0 He laid a hand on the young man\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Could you send one of the hands into town to let Roy Coffee know?\u00a0 I really don\u2019t want to leave Ben myself yet.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll go,\u2019 said Frank as he stood up. \u2018It\u2019s the least I can do to help.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank you Frank,\u2019 said Paul.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Anything else I can do?\u2019 asked Frank, giving Adam an anxious look. \u2018Could I pick up your brothers from school for you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked up at the man. \u2018I \u2026 forgot about the boys,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 He raked his fingers through his hair. \u2018I don\u2019t know how to tell them about this. I can\u2019t \u2026\u2019 he stopped for a moment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul leant forward. \u2018Is there someone they could stay with overnight?\u2019 he said. \u2018With Hop Sing away, you and I are going to have our hands full here tonight.\u00a0 I think it\u2019s best if they\u2019re not here \u2026.\u2019 He hesitated. \u2018Until the crisis is over.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll take the younguns home with me,\u2019 volunteered Frank. \u2018I\u2019ll pick em up from school and explain to em what\u2019s happened.\u00a0 They can stay the night with Martha and me and our boys.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hesitated. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said thoughtfully. \u2018They don\u2019t really know you well.\u00a0 I mean \u2026 it\u2019s very kind of you Mr Hallam, but \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam they\u2019ll be fine,\u2019 interrupted Paul. \u2018It\u2019s only for one night and they\u2019ve got each other.\u00a0 You know that Hoss will take care of Little Joe if he\u2019s upset.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Me and the missus know how to handle children,\u2019 Frank assured him. \u2018We\u2019ve got two of our own you know.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes I know,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Thank you Mr Hallam.\u00a0 I\u2019ll get a few things packed for them before you go.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll be upstairs with Ben,\u2019 said Paul as he shook the man\u2019s hand. \u2018Thank you Frank. I know you\u2019ll handle this sensitively with the youngsters.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You can count on it,\u2019 said Frank Hallam with a smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Abigail Jones looked up from her desk, surprised to see Mr Hallam standing at the back of the classroom. It had been two years since his youngest boy had left school and she wondered what on earth he could want. \u2018Yes Mr Hallam?\u2019 she said with a smile. \u2018May I help you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I was wondering if I could have a word with you, private like?\u2019 said the man as he took off his hat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of course,\u2019 said the teacher. \u2018Class, continue with your arithmetic please.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She walked to the back of the classroom and was even more surprised when Mr Hallam pulled her outside onto the small porch. \u2018Whatever is the matter Mr Hallam? Is something wrong?\u2019 she asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man nodded his head. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018Mr Cartwright\u2019s been shot.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Abigail\u2019s hand went straight to her chest and she went pale. \u2018Adam?\u2019 she whispered. \u2018Adam Cartwright\u2019s been shot?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank Hallam looked confused for a minute. \u2018Adam?\u2019 he said. \u2018No, not Adam.\u00a0 It\u2019s Ben that\u2019s been shot ma\u2019am.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh.\u2019\u00a0 Abigail\u2019s colour returned. \u2018How terrible!\u00a0 Who did it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not sure,\u2019 said Frank. \u2018I found him out on the trail to The Ponderosa. I\u2019ve just been over to see Sheriff Coffee and now I\u2019ve come to get the boys.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam and the Doc are busy with Ben, and their cook\u2019s away,\u2019 the man explained. \u2018Me and Martha are gonna have em up to our place tonight. Can you get em for me please?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of course.\u2019 Abigail looked stricken. \u2018Poor boys.\u00a0 Would you like me to help you tell them? I know them well.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019d be fine ma\u2019am.\u00a0 Thank you,\u2019 replied Frank.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Abigail walked back into the small schoolhouse. \u2018Eric! Joseph!\u00a0 Come out here please boys.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe Cartwright gave his big brother Hoss a puzzled look, but Hoss just shrugged and motioned for Joe to follow him. As the boys got to the porch Little Joe looked up at Miss Jones. \u2018We ain\u2019t done nothing!\u2019 he declared anxiously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Abigail smiled down at him kindly. \u2018Yes I know Joseph,\u2019 she said. \u2018Don\u2019t worry \u2026 you\u2019re not in trouble. Mr Hallam has come to give you a message about your father though.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss immediately looked worried. \u2018What\u2019s happened to Pa?\u2019 he asked and felt Little Joe\u2019s hand slip into his.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Abigail looked at Frank and then bent down closer to the boys. \u2018It seems that your father was shot this afternoon,\u2019 she said and then stopped as Little Joe gasped aloud. She put her hand on the little boy\u2019s shoulder. \u2018The doctor is with him now, so he\u2019s being taken good care of.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 eyes filled with tears and he tightened his grip on Joe\u2019s hand. \u2018We gotta get home and see him then,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Your brother Adam asked me to fetch you,\u2019 interrupted Frank Hallam. \u2018You\u2019re both gonna come home with me for tonight.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No!\u2019 yelled Little Joe. \u2018I\u2019m going home to see Pa!\u2019\u00a0 He looked at Hoss pleadingly and tugged on his hand. \u2018We gotta go home Hoss!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded. \u2018Thanks Mr Hallam,\u2019 he said with a trembling voice. \u2018But Joe and me\u2019s gonna go home now. We gotta go to Pa.\u2019 He started to lead his little brother down the stairs, but Frank Hallam laid a hand on his shoulder to stop him. \u2018You\u2019re coming with me boy,\u2019 he said as kindly as he could. \u2018I know you\u2019re upset bout your Pa, but it\u2019s for the best if you\u2019re not at home tonight.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss opened his mouth to protest, but Abigail cut across him. \u2018Mr Hallam is right Eric,\u2019 she said. \u2018I know you\u2019re both worried about your Pa, but your brother Adam and the doctor will be busy trying to help your Pa tonight.\u00a0 You need to look after Little Joe and you can do that best at Mr Hallam\u2019s house, don\u2019t you think?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss hesitated. \u2018I guess so,\u2019 he said mournfully. \u2018But what if something happens to Pa and we\u2019re not there?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nothings gonna happen to ya Pa youngun,\u2019 said Frank kindly.\u00a0 And if \u2026 well if he\u2019s in a bad way he\u2019s got the best there is in Doc Martin.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded.\u00a0 He knew full well his father\u2019s faith in the man. \u2018Did Adam say for us to stay with you?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He sure did,\u2019 replied Frank. \u2018He packed your things for the night and said to tell you both that he\u2019ll come and let you know how your Pa is as soon as he can.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018All right,\u2019 said Hoss.\u00a0 He turned to Little Joe who was gripping onto his hand tightly and looking at him fearfully with wide eyes. \u2018We\u2019re gonna go with Mr Hallam Joe,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe shook his head. \u2018I don\u2019t wanna!\u2019 he declared, the tears beginning to trickle down his cheeks. \u2018I wanna go and see Pa Hoss!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss bent down and stared into his brother\u2019s eyes. \u2018We can\u2019t go home yet Joe,\u2019 he said, his trembling voice betraying his own emotions. \u2018Adam says that we gotta go with Mr Hallam and you know that Adam knows best, don\u2019t ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded.\u00a0 They both trusted their older brother implicitly.\u00a0 If Adam said it was so, then Joe believed it as much as he did when Pa said it. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said in a low voice. \u2018But I still don\u2019t wanna!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018But it\u2019s fer the best Joe.\u00a0 Sides … you heard Mr Hallam \u2026 it\u2019s only fer one night.\u00a0 Okay?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Okay Hoss,\u2019 said his little brother trustingly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019ll come with ya now,\u2019 said Hoss, straightening up again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Good boy,\u2019 said Abigail smiling at him. \u2018I\u2019ll say some prayers for your father boys.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be all right.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018They may not be at school for a few days ma\u2019am,\u2019 said Frank Hallam as he ushered the boys down the few stairs. \u2018Until things settle down, you understand.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of course,\u2019 replied Abigail. \u2018Good luck!\u2019\u00a0 She watched as the man herded the two youngsters across the playground towards their horses and then sighed as she turned into the small schoolhouse again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Now come along inside younguns and the missus will look after you,\u2019 said Mr Hallam as he tied his horse up to the hitching rail. Joe looked at Hoss who nodded slightly and they both dismounted, Joe immediately taking Hoss\u2019 hand again. \u2018Come on,\u2019 said Frank, leading the way up the stairs.\u00a0 He opened the door to be met by his wife Martha who was drying her hands on a cloth in the kitchen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why \u2026. What\u2019s this?\u2019 she said as she stared at the two boys. \u2018What on earth did you bring these two home for Frank?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank motioned to her to be quiet. \u2018How bout getting these two something to eat?\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll tell you the story of what\u2019s been going on while they eat something.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Martha gave him a puzzled look and then nodded. \u2018Here you go boys,\u2019 she said kindly as she poured out some milk into two glasses and put some cookies onto a plate for them. \u2018You sit down and have this while I talk to Mr Hallam for a few moments.\u2019 Both the boys sat down at the table and stared at their milk while the two adults walked outside onto the front porch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked at Little Joe. \u2018Drink it up Joe,\u2019 he said as he lifted his glass.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at the milk in front of him. \u2018You know I don\u2019t like milk,\u2019 he whispered.\u00a0 His eyes filled up with tears. \u2018Sides \u2026\u00a0 I wanna go home now Hoss. Please?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head. \u2018You know what Adam said,\u2019 he replied. \u2018We gotta stay till he comes ta tell us different.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah but Hoss\u2026\u2019 Little Joe stopped as the adults walked back into the room again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mrs Hallam gave them both a sad look. \u2018Well now boys,\u2019 she said in a forced bright voice. \u2018It seems that you\u2019re going to be our houseguests for a while. \u2018That\u2019ll be nice won\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes ma\u2019am,\u2019 said Hoss, unenthusiastically.\u00a0 He drank his milk while Little Joe hung his head and tried not to cry.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Martha sat down next to them. \u2018I\u2019m sure your father will be fine,\u2019 she said gently. \u2018You\u2019ll see.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes ma\u2019am,\u2019 said Hoss again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Martha looked up at Frank. \u2018How about these two going outside and helping with some of the chores?\u2019 she suggested. \u2018Would you like to see some of the animals we have here boys?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shrugged, although normally the suggestion would have caused his eyes to light up. \u2018I guess,\u2019 he said in a flat tone. \u2018Come on Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe took his brother\u2019s hand and they walked to the door. Hoss turned around. \u2018Thank you for the milk ma\u2019am,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Martha smiled at them. \u2018Little Joe you didn\u2019t drink your milk,\u2019 she said. \u2018Would you like it before you go outside?\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe shook his head silently as he stared at her with his big green eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He don\u2019t like milk much ma\u2019am,\u2019 explained Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nonsense!\u2019 said Martha. \u2018Milk is good for you child.\u2019\u00a0 She gave Little Joe a sympathetic look. \u2018Well, I\u2019ll save it for you for suppertime,\u2019 she said. \u2018Out you go now.\u2019\u00a0 She watched as the two boys left the room and shook her head. \u2018Poor boys,\u2019 she said to Frank. \u2018I certainly hope that Ben makes it through this for their sakes if nothing else. With both of their ma\u2019s being dead and all \u2026 what\u2019s to become of them?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I expect their older brother will look after them,\u2019 said Frank. \u2018He\u2019s a fine young man that Adam and he won\u2019t see those two boys without a home.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I suppose so,\u2019 she replied. \u2018But it sure seems an awful big burden for a young man like that.\u2019\u00a0 She sighed. \u2018Let\u2019s just pray that nothing happens to Ben.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Outside, Hoss and Little Joe leant their heads against the fence of the pig enclosure and watched the animals silently. After a few moments, Little Joe put his head up and looked at his older brother. \u2018Who\u2019s gonna look after our animals while we\u2019re not there Hoss?\u2019 he asked in an anxious voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shrugged. \u2018I reckon Adam will get someone look after em fer us,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded. \u2018I reckon,\u2019 he said in agreement. \u2018Hey Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018If Pa dies \u2026\u2019 the little boy\u2019s eyes filled up with tears again. \u2018Then \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss turned to face his little brother and placed his hands on his shoulders as he looked into his eyes. \u2018Don\u2019t you say that Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa ain\u2019t gonna die!\u00a0 Now stop saying it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe gulped. \u2018Yeah but what iffen he does?\u2019 he said. \u2018What\u2019s gonna happen to us Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss frowned. \u2018Well first up it ain\u2019t gonna happen no way!\u2019 he said firmly. \u2018And second \u2026 well Adam will look after us of course.\u2019\u00a0 He shook his little brother gently. \u2018Now you quit saying stuff like that Joe!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well lookee who we got here!\u2019 said a voice behind them and they turned to see Seth and Tom Hallam standing there grinning at them. \u2018The two Cartwright boys,\u2019 said Tom with a grin. \u2018Whatcha doing here boys?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss frowned at them. The Hallam boys were both considerably older than he was and Tom had left school a few months ago. Seth was the same age as Adam. Neither of them had ever been particularly friendly with the Cartwright boys, in fact Hoss had always been wary of them.\u00a0 He had the distinct feeling that they were jealous of his family and considered them uppity and he knew that Adam felt them same. \u2018Hi,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom looked at him and narrowed his eyes. \u2018I asked ya what you\u2019re doing here?\u2019 he said with a sneer. \u2018Ain\u2019t often the high and mighty Cartwrights come calling on us, is it Seth?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nope,\u2019 said Seth as he leant against the fence. \u2018So Cartwright \u2026 whatcha doing here?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss felt Little Joe\u2019s hand slip into his again. \u2018We gotta stay here for the night,\u2019 he said. \u2018Our Pa\u2019s been hurt and we can\u2019t go home.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u2019 Seth looked at Tom and winked. \u2018So what happened to him?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shrugged. \u2018I don\u2019t know fer sure,\u2019 he said. \u2018We ain\u2019t found out yet.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom winked back at Seth. \u2018Well if you two ain\u2019t allowed home, then it\u2019s gotta be serious,\u2019 he said. \u2018Your old man\u2019s probably not gonna make it and no one wants you around when he dies.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe gasped. \u2018My Pa ain\u2019t gonna die!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018Hoss said so!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Seth looked down at the small child and laughed. \u2018And just how would your brother Hoss know that?\u2019 he teased. \u2018Who made him a doctor?\u2019\u00a0 He ruffled Joe\u2019s hair. \u2018You\u2019re a spunky one, ain\u2019t ya baby Cartwright?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe scowled at him. \u2018I ain\u2019t no baby!\u2019 he replied angrily. \u2018You quit calling me that!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom laughed. \u2018Ya don\u2019t like being called a baby eh?\u2019 he said. \u2018Well ya sure look like a baby!\u2019\u00a0 He grinned at Seth while Little Joe glared at them both. \u2018Never mind baby Cartwright,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Leave him alone,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018He ain\u2019t done nothing ta you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Seth turned to the boy. \u2018What\u2019s it to you Cartwright?\u2019 he said nastily.\u00a0 Hoss clenched and unclenched his fists as he stood there wondering what to do.\u00a0 At that moment there was a movement behind the two Hallam boys and their father appeared.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s going on here?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nothin Pa,\u2019 said Tom with a warning look at Hoss. \u2018We\u2019s just getting ta know our two house guests is all.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t that right Seth?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yeah,\u2019 agreed Seth with a nasty smile which his father failed to notice. \u2018We sure are.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s good,\u2019 said Frank Hallam. \u2018Maybe they can help you with ya chores?\u2019 He smiled at Hoss and Little Joe. \u2018How about it boys?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure Mr Hallam,\u2019 said Hoss, looking warily at the other boys. \u2018What would ya like us ta do?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Tom and Seth will show you,\u2019 said Frank. \u2018Go on now boys, off you go.\u2019 He walked away whistling.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom gave a short laugh. \u2018Hear that Seth?\u2019 he said delightedly. \u2018Looks like we get outta chores this afternoon don\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Your Pa said that we was ta help you!\u2019 declared Hoss. \u2018We ain\u2019t doing em for ya!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah!\u2019 agreed Little Joe as he clenched his fists and looked for all the world as if he was about to hit one of the boys. \u2018We ain\u2019t doing em for ya!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019ll see bout that,\u2019 said Seth. \u2018Come on.\u2019\u00a0 He led the way to the barn. \u2018All these stalls need mucking out for a start,\u2019 he said. \u2018Better get to it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss picked up a pitchfork. \u2018What are you two gonna do?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Watch you,\u2019 said Tom as he sat down. \u2018It should be right entertaining.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss glared at him. \u2018I\u2019ll do my share,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I ain\u2019t doing yours.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No?\u2019\u00a0 Seth gave Little Joe a dark look. \u2018I think you will Cartwright.\u00a0 You wouldn\u2019t want this baby brother of yours ta get hurt would ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss swallowed as Little Joe took a step closer to him. \u2018You hurt my brother and you\u2019ll pay!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah!\u2019 agreed Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Seth sat back and leaned against the wall and put a stalk of hay into his mouth. \u2018Well you just get ta work and we won\u2019t have ta worry bout it will we huh?\u00a0 He chewed on the stalk lazily.\u00a0 Hoss glared at him and began to work.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No thank you ma\u2019am,\u2019 said Hoss politely. \u2018I ain\u2019t feeling too hungry tonight.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Martha frowned at him. \u2018But you haven\u2019t eaten much,\u2019 she said. \u2018And you look like a boy with an appetite.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah,\u2019 muttered Tom. \u2018A big fat appetite.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank Hallam reached over and swatted his son behind the ear. \u2018That\u2019ll be enough!\u2019 he said crossly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gave Tom a dark look. \u2018I just can\u2019t eat much,\u2019 he explained to the boy\u2019s mother. \u2018I guess I\u2019m just worried bout Pa is all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Martha looked at him kindly. \u2018That\u2019s all right dear,\u2019 she said. \u2018But try and finish what\u2019s on your plate at least.\u2019\u00a0 She looked over at Little Joe. \u2018Joseph dear, you haven\u2019t eaten anything.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe continued to stare at the tablecloth, the tears standing in his eyes. \u2018Come on Joseph,\u2019 the woman said kindly. \u2018Try and at least eat something dear.\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe shook his head and said nothing.\u00a0 Martha looked at Frank and shook her head sadly. \u2018All right dear,\u2019 she said. \u2018You\u2019d better go to bed then.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I want Hoss ta come with me,\u2019 said Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stood up. \u2018I\u2019ll go with him ma\u2019am,\u2019 he said. \u2018He don\u2019t like being by himself when he\u2019s upset.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll show you where your room is,\u2019 said the woman and stood up as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As they left the room, Frank turned to his two sons. \u2018Looks like them boys will be staying here fer a few days,\u2019 he said. \u2018From what I saw of Ben Cartwright he won\u2019t be recovering in a hurry.\u00a0 You two make sure that you look after them boys now, ya hear?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom gave Seth a grin. \u2018Oh don\u2019t worry Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll look after them all right.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Seth smothered a giggle. \u2018We sure will Pa,\u2019 he said cagily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss lay in bed and stared out of the window at the stars as he silently prayed for his father. \u2018Hoss?\u2019\u00a0 He turned to see a small white nightshirt-clad figure standing by his bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What are you doing out of bed?\u2019 he whispered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I can\u2019t sleep,\u2019 replied Little Joe. \u2018Can I come in with you?\u2019\u00a0 Hoss drew back the covers and then pulled them up again after Little Joe had got in with him. \u2018Hoss?\u2019 the little boy said again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Have you been praying fer Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Me too.\u00a0 Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Do ya reckon \u2026 I mean do ya think my mama will hear our prayers from up in heaven and look after him?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I reckon so Joe,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Pa says that she always listens to us when we pray.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And your Ma?\u00a0 And Adam\u2019s?\u00a0 Do ya reckon they\u2019ll listen to us too huh?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I reckon so.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hoss?\u00a0 We sure know lots of people in heaven don\u2019t we?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018If Pa goes up there too then \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He ain\u2019t going!\u2019 declared Hoss. \u2018I already done told ya that ain\u2019t I?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe cuddled closer to his brother. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hoss?\u00a0 Do ya reckon that Adam will come and get us tomorrow?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I hope so,\u2019 said Hoss as he stared out of the window again. \u2018I hope so real bad little buddy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So do I,\u2019 said Little Joe sleepily.\u00a0 Hoss cuddled his little brother to him as he stared at the stars outside and continued to pray for his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stopped by the barn and dismounted before looking around the small yard.\u00a0 He waved at Frank Hallam near the pigpen and waited while the man put down his bucket and walked over to him. \u2018Morning Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018How\u2019s ya Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tried to smile at the man. \u2018Doc Martin\u2019s still not sure,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s hurt bad Mr Hallam and we need to pray for him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank nodded. \u2018We\u2019s sure doing that,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on inside and see the missus.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Where are the boys?\u2019 asked Adam as they approached the house.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I sent em down ta bring the cow in,\u2019 explained Frank. \u2018I didn\u2019t think they\u2019d be any good at school today and I\u2019ve been trying ta keep em busy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank you,\u2019 said Adam gratefully as the man opened the front door. \u2018I\u2019ve been worried about them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You don\u2019t need to worry about them Adam,\u2019 said Martha kindly as she motioned to a seat for the young man and began to get him a cup of coffee. \u2018You just need to concentrate on your Pa now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s what Doc Martin said,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018But I know that they\u2019ll be anxious so I had to come over and see them.\u2019\u00a0 He took the cup of coffee. \u2018I was wondering \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Martha put up her hand to stop him. \u2018You don\u2019t even need to ask Adam,\u2019 she said. \u2018They can stay here for as long as you need them to.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam breathed a sigh of relief. \u2018I was hoping you might say that,\u2019 he said. \u2018I brought their things with me just in case.\u00a0 Doc Martin says that Pa is going to need plenty of rest and care during the next few days and I just don\u2019t think it\u2019s the best place for them to be right now, especially with Hop Sing away.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I agree,\u2019 replied Martha. \u2018And if something happens then \u2026\u2019 She put her hand to her mouth. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Adam.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t mean to sound like \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s okay,\u2019 replied the young man in a low voice. \u2018We all know that it\u2019s a possibility.\u00a0 Hoss and Little Joe aren\u2019t going to be happy about staying here for a few more days I know, but I just don\u2019t know what else to do.\u2019\u00a0 He turned quickly as the front door opened and his two brothers entered the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam!\u2019 yelled Hoss. \u2018I knew ya\u2019d come soon \u2026 I just knew it! How\u2019s Pa?\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe said nothing, but ran forward and flung himself onto his brother who hoisted him up onto his lap and gave him a hug.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa\u2019s still sick Hoss,\u2019 said Adam, wanting to be able to give his brothers better news, but unwilling to lie to them. \u2018Doc Martin\u2019s looking after him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss swallowed. \u2018Did he get the bullet out?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes buddy he did \u2026 but Pa still has a lot of healing to do.\u00a0 He lost a lot of blood and that\u2019s made him very weak.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss said nothing, but bit his lip.\u00a0 Little Joe looked up at his eldest brother. \u2018We\u2019ve been praying fer Pa,\u2019 he informed him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled down at the boy. \u2018Have you?\u00a0 That\u2019s good.\u00a0 He needs lots of prayers right about now.\u2019\u00a0 His voice quivered and he tried to control it as he added. \u2018We\u2019re all praying for him little buddy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Can we go and see him now?\u2019 asked Little Joe. \u2018Hoss and me need ta tell him some things.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u2018Not now Little Joe,\u2019 he said, glancing at Hoss to gauge his reaction to his words. \u2018Pa still isn\u2019t well enough.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But we gotta see him!\u2019 Joe declared. \u2018We gotta talk to him and help him ta get better!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know that you want to see Pa,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018But you\u2019ll have to wait a bit until he\u2019s better.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But that ain\u2019t fair!\u2019 declared Little Joe. \u2018You get ta see him\u2026 why can\u2019t we?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stepped forward. \u2018Joe, its like Adam says,\u2019 he said sadly. \u2018Pa ain\u2019t well enough fer all of us ta visit with him yet.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at his older brother anxiously and Adam nodded at him gratefully. \u2018We gotta stay here fer a while longer is that it Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded again. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said Mr and Mrs Hallam will look after you both until I come for you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018When will that be?\u2019 asked Little Joe sulkily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018When I can buddy.\u00a0 I\u2019m just not sure at the moment.\u2019 Adam set his little brother down on the floor and stood up. \u2018I\u2019ve got to get back to Pa now,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018You two be good for the Hallams okay?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked at his big brother sadly. \u2018Okay,\u2019 he said in a flat voice.\u00a0 Little Joe said nothing, but simply glared at Adam angrily.\u00a0 Adam patted him on the head and then Hoss on the shoulder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m counting on you Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018You need to look after Little Joe okay?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded his head. \u2018Course I will,\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t I always?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded and then smiled at him. \u2018You sure do,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019re a great brother.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I wanna go home,\u2019 declared Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss walked over to his little brother and put his arm around him. \u2018You heard Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018We can\u2019t yet.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at his older brother. \u2018You leave him ta me,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll make sure he\u2019s okay.\u00a0 I promise.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks buddy,\u2019 said Adam.\u00a0 He gave his brothers a long sad look and then left the room with Frank.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well,\u2019 said Martha, trying to sound cheerful. \u2018I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll be home in no time at all boys. In the meantime \u2026 how about some cookies?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No thank you ma\u2019am,\u2019 said Hoss in a flat voice.\u00a0 He hugged Little Joe even tighter around the shoulder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018They don\u2019t like us, do they?\u2019 Little Joe indicated Seth and Tom who were sitting next to the barn watching the two Cartwrights as they fed the chickens.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shrugged his shoulders. \u2018Don\u2019t ya worry bout them Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Ain\u2019t like we like em much either.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded as he spread the chicken feed over the ground. \u2018They make me a bit scared sometimes,\u2019 he admitted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stopped and looked at his little brother. \u2018Don\u2019t ya be scared of them,\u2019 he declared. \u2018I\u2019ll protect ya from em!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But they said they might hurt me iffen ya don\u2019t do what they say,\u2019 said Little Joe fearfully. \u2018They might!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018They ain\u2019t hurting you no how,\u2019 said Hoss determinedly. \u2018Ain\u2019t I always looked after ya Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked up at his brother with his big trusting green eyes. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well don\u2019t ya worry bout em none then,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018I done told ya they ain\u2019t gonna hurt ya none.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hey Cartwright!\u2019 called Seth. \u2018Hurry up with them chores of ours.\u2019\u00a0 He and Tom chuckled at the thought of the uppity Cartwrights doing their chores for them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s going on here?\u2019 asked Frank Hallam as he came around the side of the barn and glared at his two sons. \u2018Why aren\u2019t you doing those chores?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Seth and Tom sprang to their feet. \u2018We was Pa,\u2019 said Tom. \u2018Only \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank pointed a finger at his son. \u2018Don\u2019t ya lie to me!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018These two boys aren\u2019t here to do your chores!\u00a0 Now get to em!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss watched as Seth and Tom both gave him dark looks. \u2018It\u2019s all right Mr Hallam,\u2019 he said. \u2018Joe and me don\u2019t mind helping out.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I said ta get them chores done!\u2019 said Frank as if Hoss hadn\u2019t spoken.\u00a0 \u2018And if I catch you taking advantage of these two younguns then I\u2019ll whoop ya both!\u2019\u00a0 He walked away shaking his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks a lot Cartwright!\u2019 said Seth angrily as he snatched the basket of eggs from Hoss. \u2018You\u2019re gonna pay fer that!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We did nothing!\u2019 declared Little Joe angrily. \u2018They was your chores in the first place!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom looked down at the small boy and pushed him hard backwards so that Little Joe lost his balance and fell into the mud. \u2018Hey!\u2019 said Hoss as he sprang forward. \u2018Leave him alone!\u2019\u00a0 He bent to pick up his little brother and Tom gave him a swipe on the head.\u00a0 Hoss moved quickly to one side and held Little Joe behind him. \u2018Leave us alone!\u2019 he said angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah!\u00a0 Leave us alone!\u2019 yelled Little Joe as he looked around from behind his brother and poked out his tongue at their enemies. \u2018We ain\u2019t done nothing!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Seth pointed his finger at Hoss. \u2018You\u2019re gonna be real sorry that you messed with us Cartwright,\u2019 he said. \u2018Real sorry!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss took Little Joe by the arm and walked towards the house with him. \u2018Pay em no mind Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018They can\u2019t do anything ta us.\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe looked back over his shoulder and poked his tongue out at the Hallam boys again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Seth?\u2019 have you seen my pocket book?\u2019 asked Frank Hallam at supper that night.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No Pa,\u2019 replied Seth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Tom?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No Pa,\u2019 said his brother.\u00a0 The two exchanged sly glances as their father looked anxiously at Martha.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It just don\u2019t make sense,\u2019 he said in an anxious voice. \u2018I had it on my dresser this morning and now it\u2019s gone.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at Hoss and Little Joe. \u2018Have either of you seen it boys?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No sir,\u2019 said Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nuh!\u2019 said Little Joe, his eyes wide. He hesitated before continuing. \u2018What\u2019s a pocket book?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s a small black leather wallet,\u2019 said the man. \u2018Have you seen it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nuh!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank shook his head. \u2018I had the money I need to pay Wilson tomorrow for those calves in it,\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t know what \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He stopped and looked at Hoss. \u2018What\u2019s that in your pocket?\u2019 he asked seeing a bulge in the boy\u2019s jacket.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked down at his pocket.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t noticed anything there when he\u2019d put the jacket on earlier before supper, but now that the man mentioned it he could see that there was something in his pocket.\u00a0 He put in his hand and drew out a small black leather pocketbook.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank and Martha stared at the pocketbook and then at Hoss. \u2018I thought ya Pa woulda taught ya better than that,\u2019 the man said finally as he took it from the boy. \u2018Don\u2019t ya know that\u2019s stealing?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked appalled. \u2018But I never took it!\u2019 he said. \u2018Honest Mr Hallam. I\u2019d never take anything that didn\u2019t belong to me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank looked at Martha and then back to Hoss. \u2018Well then how come it was in ya pocket?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss swallowed and then looked the man directly in the eye. \u2018I don\u2019t know sir,\u2019 he said in a low voice. \u2018Beats me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Martha laid a hand on her husband\u2019s arm and shook her head at him. \u2018All right,\u2019 said Frank after a moment\u2019s hesitation. \u2018We\u2019ll say no more about it then. Only remember what ya Pa would think if he knew about this.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked defensive. \u2018But I never took it,\u2019 he said. \u2018Honest I didn\u2019t!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Boys maybe you\u2019d better go to bed if you\u2019ve finished your supper,\u2019 suggested Martha.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded at the woman and took Little Joe by the hand. \u2018Night,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Good night boys,\u2019 said Martha gently. \u2018Sleep well.\u2019\u00a0 She watched as the two Cartwrights left the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018If that had been one of us who took it you\u2019d have given us a whooping!\u2019 declared Seth angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Be quiet!\u2019 said his mother. \u2018Those boys are going through enough without you making it worse!\u2019\u00a0 She looked at her husband who still looked angry. \u2018He wouldn\u2019t have meant it Frank.\u00a0 He\u2019s just upset about his Pa is all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Upset or not \u2026 I\u2019ll not have thieving going on under my roof!\u2019 declared her husband angrily. \u2018Ben Cartwright would have whooped that boy fer sure if he tried that at home.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well it\u2019s over and done with now,\u2019 replied his wife. \u2018Let\u2019s just forget about it now.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure it won\u2019t happen again.\u2019 Seth smirked at Tom across the table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hoss ya didn\u2019t really take that pocketbook did ya?\u2019 asked Little Joe as they lay together in Hoss\u2019 bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Course not!\u2019 snorted Hoss. \u2018It musta been them two what done it.\u00a0 Probably think it\u2019s funny ta get me in trouble like that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mr and Mrs Hallam didn\u2019t believe ya,\u2019 said Little Joe sadly. \u2018They think ya really done it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know,\u2019 replied Hoss. \u2018Don\u2019t matter none. I know I didn\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018They\u2019s gonna cause trouble for us Hoss,\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018I know they is.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I can handle them,\u2019 said Hoss, sounding more confident than he really was. \u2018Don\u2019t you worry none.\u2019\u00a0 He stared out of the window at the stars as his little brother drifted off to sleep. \u2018We\u2019ll be okay Joe,\u2019 he whispered. \u2018We just gotta stick together is all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss instinctively drew Little Joe closer to him as Tom and Seth approached with huge grins on their faces. \u2018That was a dumb thing to do last night,\u2019 said Seth nastily. \u2018Don\u2019t you try stealing round here again Cartwright or Pa will whoop ya fer sure!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You know darn well that I didn\u2019t take that old pocketbook,\u2019 declared Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Seth grinned at Tom. \u2018Yeah?\u2019 he said. \u2018Well try telling our Pa that. He sure is mad with ya.\u2019\u00a0 He reached out and ruffled Little Joe\u2019s hair. \u2018How bout you takin that wood over there up to the box outside the kitchen, baby Cartwright?\u00a0 Seems I don\u2019t feel like doing it today.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe frowned at the older boy. \u2018I ain\u2019t doing your work for you!\u2019 he declared.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Seth looked puzzled. \u2018No?\u2019 he said. \u2018Seems to me that you\u2019d like ta keep this fat brother of yourn out of trouble.\u2019\u00a0 He winked at Tom. \u2018Woulda thought he would, don\u2019t ya agree Tom?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom shrugged as he winked back at his brother. \u2018Woulda thought so,\u2019 he said. \u2018Seems like fatty here might be in serious trouble if he\u2019s caught by Pa again doing something he ain\u2019t supposed ta.\u00a0 How about that, baby Cartwright?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stood up. \u2018I\u2019ll carry the wood,\u2019 he said. \u2018Leave Little Joe alone.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Seth shook his head. \u2018I don\u2019t think so,\u2019 he said. \u2018I said for this one here ta do it fatty, not you.\u2019\u00a0 He indicated Little Joe with his thumb. \u2018Get to it!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe shook off Hoss\u2019 hand. \u2018Leave us alone!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018You jest leave us alone old Seth Hallam!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Seth\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018Well what do you know?\u2019 he said. \u2018The baby has a temper.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I ain\u2019t no baby!\u2019 declared Little Joe. \u2018I done told ya that already.\u00a0 And I ain\u2019t doing any chores fer you!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Suit yourself,\u2019 said Seth with a shrug. \u2018But old Fatty here might be sorry if ya don\u2019t.\u2019\u00a0 He gave the little boy an amused smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Leave him alone,\u2019 said Hoss in a low voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom sat down next to Seth. \u2018Now why should we do that?\u2019 he said with a grin. \u2018This little guy\u2019s right amusing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stepped forward. \u2018I said to leave him alone,\u2019 he repeated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Make me!\u2019 replied Tom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss took another step forward and pushed Tom off the barrel on which he was seated. \u2018Hoss Cartwright!\u2019 shouted a voice behind him and all the boys turned to see Frank Hallam standing there with an angry expression on his face. \u2018What are you doing boy?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s okay Pa,\u2019 Tom assured his father as he got up. \u2018I don\u2019t mind him hitting me. It\u2019s like ya said before \u2026 he\u2019s a mite upset over his Pa is all.\u2019\u00a0 He gave Hoss a furtive look and then put his arm around his shoulder as if he were comforting the other boy. Hoss shook it off angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank came over to the group of boys and gave Hoss a stern look. \u2018I know ya\u2019re upset youngun,\u2019 he said firmly. \u2018But that ain\u2019t no excuse fer hitting people. Now get on up to the house with ya.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss opened his mouth to speak and then shut it again before giving the Hallam boys a dark look. \u2018Come on Joe,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Leave him with us,\u2019 said Seth in a pleasant tone. \u2018No use him being punished fer your mistakes.\u2019\u00a0 He gave Little Joe a charming smile, which made the little boy swallow, and then patted him on the head. \u2018We\u2019ll look out fer him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe took a step towards Hoss. \u2018I\u2019m going with my brother,\u2019 he declared. \u2018I ain\u2019t staying with nasty \u2026 nasty snakes like you!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank frowned again. \u2018Both of you get on up to the house,\u2019 he said. \u2018Go on\u2026 get!\u2019\u00a0 He watched as the two Cartwright boys disappeared into the house.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sorry Pa,\u2019 said Seth. \u2018We\u2019ve been trying ta be nice to them, but they\u2019s bound and determined to make life difficult.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank nodded. \u2018That\u2019s all right boys,\u2019 he said. \u2018They must be missing their Pa\u2019s firm hand is all. We\u2019ll all just haveta be tolerant of em I reckon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Seth nudged Tom and gave a delighted chuckle as their father walked away. \u2018We\u2019ll see just how tolerant Pa is won\u2019t we?\u2019 he said delightedly. \u2018Fatty Cartwright won\u2019t be so high and mighty iffen he gets a taste of Pa\u2019s strap will he?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I tell you I won\u2019t stand for much more of this!\u2019 shouted Frank Hallam. \u2018Leave that horse alone and get back to the house boy!\u2019\u00a0 He glared at Hoss as he tenderly felt the horse\u2019s leg in his hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But \u2026 but \u2026\u2019 stammered Hoss. \u2018But \u2026 I didn\u2019t \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No more of your lies!\u2019 shouted the man. \u2018Every time I turn around you\u2019re causing some sort of trouble and I\u2019ve had enough!\u00a0 Now get to your room and stay there or I\u2019ll give you the whooping ya Pa would if he were here!\u2019\u00a0 He pointed to the house and Hoss hung his head and walked away. Little Joe made to follow him. \u2018You stay here youngun,\u2019 instructed the man. \u2018Your brother needs some time to himself in his room to think things through.\u2019\u00a0 He bent over the animal\u2019s leg again. \u2018Darn young fool!\u2019 he muttered under his breath. \u2018Throwing stones at a poor defenceless animal.\u2019\u00a0 He looked up again. \u2018I said to stay here,\u2019 he said to Little Joe. \u2018Boys!\u00a0 Take this youngun and look after him, will ya?\u2019\u00a0 He led the horse into the barn.<\/p>\n \u2018Sure thing Pa,\u2019 said Tom with a grin at Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked at the two Hallam boys with wide eyes that clearly showed his fear. \u2018You stay away from me!\u2019 he said nervously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom bent down and ruffled the little boy\u2019s hair. \u2018We\u2019ll look after you baby Cartwright,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018You ain\u2019t afraid of us, are ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe clenched his fist. \u2018No I ain\u2019t!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018You jest leave me alone!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Seth gave a chuckle and picked the child up under his arms.\u00a0 He held him in the air in front of him and both he and his brother laughed as they watched Little Joe\u2019s legs kicking out in the air as he tried to give Seth a swift kick. \u2018You\u2019ll haveta do better than that baby Cartwright!\u2019 said Seth delightedly. \u2018Those little legs of yours ain\u2019t long enough ta do much damage by the look of it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s arms and legs flailed about in the air. \u2018Let me down!\u2019 he shouted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom and Seth chuckled even louder. \u2018What was that?\u2019 asked Seth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Let me down!\u2019 the little boy shouted again.\u00a0 Tears began to fall down his cheeks and he bit his lip in frustration.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018If you say so,\u2019 said Seth.\u00a0 He carried the child over to the water trough and dumped him into it, letting go of him and ducking his head under momentarily.\u00a0 Little Joe gasped as the cold water hit him and momentarily held his breath in surprise.\u00a0 Seth swiftly bent down and picked him out of the trough as their father emerged from the barn again. \u2018Get out of there!\u2019 the boy said in a loud voice. \u2018You should know better than to do that!\u2019\u00a0 He set Little Joe on his feet and gave him what he hoped was a comforting look as he shook his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What on earth?\u2019 declared Frank from behind them.\u00a0 \u2018What did you get in there for youngun?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We tried to stop him Pa,\u2019 sad Tom quickly. \u2018But he was bound ta do it.\u2019\u00a0 He shook his head at the child. \u2018Now ma has all that extra washing ta do.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank strode forward and gave Little Joe a swift smack on his little backside. \u2018You get on up to the house with your brother,\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018Get them wet things off and get changed.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe began to sob. \u2018But it weren\u2019t me!\u2019 he declared. \u2018It was \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom gave a sigh and rolled his eyes at his father. \u2018You want me ta take him and get him changed Pa?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes,\u2019 said Frank. \u2018Thank you son.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom grabbed hold of Little Joe\u2019s arm and pulled him towards the house.\u00a0 As soon as they were out of earshot of Frank he bent down and spoke to the boy in a low voice. \u2018You keep your mouth shut or you\u2019ll be sorry!\u2019 he said.\u00a0 Little Joe continued to sob quietly as the older boy dragged him the rest of the way to the house.\u00a0 Behind them Seth grinned as Frank shook his head before returning to the barn again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Supper that night was quiet affair with Frank still displaying his anger with the two Cartwright boys and Tom and Seth taking every opportunity to smirk when their parents weren\u2019t looking at them.\u00a0 Hoss kept his eyes on his plate as he ate and Little Joe merely sat looking at his lap without attempting to eat anything at all.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Now then dear,\u2019 said Martha finally. \u2018You must eat something.\u00a0 Here \u2026 have a taste of this.\u2019\u00a0 She held some of his food out to him on his fork.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t want it,\u2019 said Little Joe sullenly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018There\u2019ll be no food wasted in this house,\u2019 said Frank angrily. \u2018Eat!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe glanced at the man and took the fork from Martha before putting it into his mouth and chewing.\u00a0 Martha looked at Frank anxiously. \u2018I\u2019m sure the boys aren\u2019t meaning to be naughty,\u2019 she said. \u2018From now on I\u2019m sure that they\u2019ll try harder to be good.\u00a0 Won\u2019t you boys?\u2019\u00a0 Neither Cartwright boy answered her and she sighed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I said to eat!\u2019 said Frank again, glaring at Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The boy looked up at him. \u2018I don\u2019t want it,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Martha laid a hand on Frank\u2019s arm. \u2018Let him alone dear,\u2019 she said softly. \u2018Come on Little Joe, I\u2019ll put you to bed if you\u2019re not hungry.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe gave Hoss a worried look. \u2018I\u2019ll wait for Hoss,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019ll do as you\u2019re told,\u2019 said Frank curtly. \u2018Now go to your room.\u2019\u00a0 Hoss nodded slightly at his little brother and Little Joe slid down from his chair and took Martha\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Come along dear,\u2019 said the woman kindly. \u2018Your brother will come soon.\u2019\u00a0 She left the room with the child, Little Joe looking over his shoulder at Hoss as they went.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Seth kicked Tom under the table and winked at him before speaking. \u2018You wanna go fishing tomorrow Hoss?\u2019 he asked pleasantly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stared across the table at the other boy and caught the malicious look in his eye. \u2018No,\u2019 he said curtly. \u2018I reckon not.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Seth pretended to look hurt. \u2018Aw go on Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t mind going with ya.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I said no!\u2019 repeated Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank looked up from his plate \u2018That will do!\u2019 he said. \u2018Seth was only trying to be pleasant to you boy.\u00a0 The least you can do is keep a civil tongue in your head.\u2019\u00a0 Hoss said nothing, but stared at his plate again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You seen my knife Seth?\u2019 said Tom after a moment. \u2018I was looking for it this afternoon but it weren\u2019t on my dresser.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No,\u2019 said Seth, with a significant look at Hoss which didn\u2019t go unnoticed by his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Have you seen the knife boy?\u2019 asked Frank immediately.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No,\u2019 replied Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom looked at his father and then back at Hoss. \u2018I don\u2019t mind if ya borrowed it Hoss,\u2019 he said pleasantly. \u2018Long as you give it back.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I said I haven\u2019t seen it,\u2019 said Hoss angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mind if I look in your room then?\u2019 asked Tom cunningly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss went pale as he stared at the other boy. \u2018I\u2019ll go look,\u2019 he said and began to get off his chair.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You stay right where you are,\u2019 instructed Frank. \u2018Tom\u2026 go and take a look.\u2019\u00a0 Tom gave Hoss a malicious smile and left the room just as his mother came back into it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Little Joe is in bed,\u2019 she said. \u2018He\u2019s a mite overwrought, poor little thing.\u2019\u00a0 She looked around the room, sensing the tension that surrounded her. \u2018What\u2019s the matter?\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Tom lost his knife,\u2019 said Seth quickly. \u2018He\u2019s just looking for it in Hoss\u2019 room.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Martha looked confused. \u2018Why on earth would \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 She stopped as Tom came back into the room with his knife in his hand.\u00a0 Hoss stared at it mournfully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I told ya I didn\u2019t mind if you borrowed it,\u2019 said Tom. \u2018You only hadta ask.\u00a0 There was no need ta steal it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stood up and clenched his fists in frustration. \u2018You know very well that I didn\u2019t steal it!\u2019 he declared.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom shrugged his shoulders as he sat down again. \u2018It was in the top drawer of the dresser with your clothes,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m sure it weren\u2019t Little Joe who took it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Did you take that knife boy?\u2019 asked Frank angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked the man straight in the eye. \u2018No sir, I didn\u2019t,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Then how did it get into your drawer?\u2019 asked the man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 Hoss faltered. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s it!\u2019 declared Frank as he stood up and grabbed Hoss by the arm. \u2018I told you before that I won\u2019t have thieving in my house.\u00a0 Nor lying either!\u2019\u00a0 He began to take off his belt. \u2018I\u2019m gonna do what yer Pa would do if he could,\u2019 he said. \u2018Outside!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n No!\u2019 shouted Hoss. \u2018I never done it!\u00a0 Leave me alone!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly a small nightshirt-clad figure came running through the door and launched itself on Frank. \u2018You leave my brother alone!\u2019 he shouted, hitting the man with his small fists. \u2018Leave him alone!\u2019\u00a0 Frank stopped abruptly, startled by the boy\u2019s actions. \u2018Martha!\u2019 he said. \u2018Take this child and put him to bed.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Martha stepped forward and held onto Little Joe, pulling him off her husband easily. \u2018Now now dear,\u2019 she said soothingly. \u2018Mr Hallam isn\u2019t going to hurt your brother.\u2019\u00a0 She glared up at Frank angrily. \u2018Leave the boy alone,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank sighed and pushed Hoss away from him. \u2018Oh all right!\u2019 he said. \u2018But you get on into that bedroom youngun,\u2019 he said. \u2018And if there is any more of this kind of behaviour you\u2019ll be tasting my belt.\u00a0 Is that clear?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss said nothing, but grabbed hold of Little Joe and pulled him out of the room.\u00a0 Martha came to stand next to her husband. \u2018Frank \u2026.\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t say it Martha,\u2019 the man replied angrily. \u2018The sooner those boys go home the better as far as I\u2019m concerned.\u2019 Behind them, Seth winked at Tom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss hugged his little brother to his side and pulled the covers over both their heads. \u2018Quit crying Little Joe,\u2019 he said soothingly. \u2018I\u2019m okay.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019s was gonna belt ya Hoss,\u2019 sniffed Little Joe into his big brother\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Just like he done ta me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss caught his breath. \u2018What do ya mean Joe?\u2019 he asked. \u2018When did he belt ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe lifted his head and looked into Hoss\u2019 eyes. \u2018Well it weren\u2019t really a belt,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018But he did spank me once on my butt.\u2019\u00a0 He rubbed his little behind as the memory came back to him. \u2018It were when you went to your room before and they dumped me in the water trough.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss hugged his little brother even tighter. \u2018He won\u2019t be doing that again little buddy,\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018Don\u2019t you worry.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But how are ya gonna stop him Hoss?\u2019 asked Little Joe fearfully. \u2018Tom and Seth are gonna keep lying bout everything and their Pa will keep believing that we\u2019re bad boys. He won\u2019t believe us.\u2019\u00a0 Hoss lay silently next to his brother, thinking things through.\u00a0 He remembered how he\u2019d promised Adam that he\u2019d look after Little Joe, and it seemed that he wasn\u2019t doing a very good job of it after all. \u2018I\u2019ll think of something Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t you worry.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What if Pa dies?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss jerked. \u2018I done ya before he ain\u2019t gonna die!\u2019 he said. \u2018Now you get that thought right outta your head Joe!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe sat up in the bed and looked at his brother intently. \u2018But what if he does Hoss?\u2019 he insisted. \u2018Will we haveta live here forever?\u2019\u00a0 His eyes filled with tears. \u2018I don\u2019t wanna!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss pulled the little boy down again. \u2018He ain\u2019t gonna die Joe,\u2019 he repeated. \u2018And even if \u2026. even if he did, then Adam would look after us, okay?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe sniffed in the darkness. \u2018Okay,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 He put his thumb into his mouth and began to suck on it as he used to do when he was a baby. \u2018I\u2019m glad I\u2019ve got you and Adam to look after me Hoss,\u2019 he said sleepily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss hugged the little boy to him as he listened to the night sounds around them.\u00a0 Gradually the tension went out of Little Joe\u2019s body as he relaxed into sleep and Hoss sighed.\u00a0 He looked out of the window, feeling every bit of the huge responsibility of looking after his little brother and praying for his father at the same time.\u00a0 He looked down at the curly head resting on his shoulder and patted it gently.\u00a0 He had promised that he would look after his brother and come what may he intended to make sure that he did.\u00a0 One thing was for sure though \u2026 Joe was right when he said that Seth and Tom wouldn\u2019t stop tormenting them and Hoss just didn\u2019t know what to do about it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He sure wished that Adam were there to give him some advice about how to handle the situation.\u00a0 His older brother always seemed to know just what to do and Hoss had always relied on him, but this time he was on his own.\u00a0 As the night wore on Hoss continued to stare out of the window while he thought things through and made plans.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe opened his eyes sleepily. \u2018Go away,\u2019 he murmured and then shut them again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe!\u2019\u00a0 There was silence for a moment. \u2018Little Joe open ya eyes!\u2019 whispered Hoss. \u2018You gotta get up now!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe pulled the covers over his head. \u2018Don\u2019t wanna,\u2019 he said sleepily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss dragged the covers off his little brother and shook him. \u2018You gotta get up Joe,\u2019 he insisted. \u2018Come on!\u2019\u00a0 He shook the sleepy child.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe opened his eyes again and looked up at his brother in the dark. \u2018It\u2019s still night,\u2019 he said. \u2018What you doing up?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We gotta go,\u2019 said Hoss urgently. \u2018Get up and get dressed.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe sat up in the bed and rubbed his eyes. \u2018Huh?\u2019 he said. \u2018How come?\u00a0 Where we going Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Away from here,\u2019 replied his brother. \u2018Hurry up!\u2019\u00a0 He threw his little brother\u2019s clothes on the bed and began to pack their bag.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s eyes widened as he watched his brother. \u2018Huh?\u2019 he said again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss came and knelt back down next to the bed. \u2018I\u2019ve been doing some thinking Joe,\u2019 he said urgently. \u2018We ain\u2019t gonna stay here no longer.\u00a0 Iffen we do then we\u2019ll only end up in real trouble and that ain\u2019t gonna help no one.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s eyes widened even further and he smiled. \u2018We going home?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Listen Joe,\u2019 said his older brother. \u2018You heard what Adam done told us.\u00a0 We can\u2019t go home yet.\u00a0 It ain\u2019t fair when Pa is so sick.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Then where are we going?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019re going ta hide out till Pa\u2019s better and we can go back home,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Now hurry up and get dressed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Who\u2019s gonna look after us Hoss?\u2019 asked Little Joe as he eagerly got dressed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m gonna look after you,\u2019 said Hoss as he put on his jacket and hat. \u2018I promised Adam that I would, remember?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe thought for a moment. \u2018But who\u2019s gonna look after you Hoss?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss helped his brother with his hat and jacket. \u2018I can look after both of us,\u2019 he said. He picked up the bag and put a finger up to his lips. \u2018Now be quiet Joe.\u00a0 We\u2019re gonna haveta sneak down the hall and we can\u2019t let them hear us or they\u2019ll make us stay here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe tugged at his brother\u2019s sleeve. \u2018But Hoss \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What?\u2019 said Hoss impatiently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How will we know when Pa is better and we can come home?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You leave it all ta me Joe,\u2019 replied Hoss. \u2018I done figured it all out.\u00a0 I\u2019ll explain it ta ya when we get there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Get where?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Shh!\u2019\u00a0 Hoss took his little brother\u2019s hand and led him down the darkened hallway, stepping as quietly as he could.\u00a0 Little Joe followed him trustingly into the front room and watched as Hoss took a piece of paper from his jacket pocket and put it on the table before opening the door.\u00a0 The two brothers left the room as silently as they had entered it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The fever is broken,\u2019 said Paul Martin as he straightened up again and put his stethoscope into his bag and shut it firmly. \u2018He should do much better now that it has.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam let out a sigh of relief. \u2018That\u2019s the best news I\u2019ve heard in days,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul studied the young man in front of him and noted the dark rings around his eyes. \u2018How long since you got some sleep?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged his shoulders. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said, glancing at his father in the bed. \u2018I got a couple of hours last night.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul put his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u2018You need to get some rest now,\u2019 he said. \u2018Surely now that Hop Sing is back he can sit with Ben for a while?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019ve been taking it in turns,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018I\u2019m all right Paul.\u2019 He smiled at the doctor. \u2018Really \u2026 I\u2019m fine.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You are not fine,\u2019 insisted the man. \u2018And I have no intention of having two patients to look after in this house. Now you will get some sleep if I have to tie you to the bed young man!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You sound like Pa,\u2019 said Adam with a grin. He looked at the sleeping man in the bed again and his heart constricted. \u2018Are you sure he\u2019s going to be all right?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No, I\u2019m not sure,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018But I\u2019m as sure as I can be.\u00a0 Now I mean it \u2026You get into your room and get some sleep Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019ll get Hop Sing to watch your father.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u2018All right,\u2019 he said. \u2018But only a couple of hours.\u00a0 And if Pa is still all right when I wake up, then I\u2019m going over to Frank Hallam\u2019s to see the boys.\u00a0 They must be worried sick.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I could stop by there if you like on my way back to town,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018I can tell them how he\u2019s doing and save you a trip.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018Thank you anyway Paul, but I think I should go and see them.\u00a0 They need family right about now.\u2019\u00a0 He hesitated. \u2018We all do.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul patted the young man on the shoulder. \u2018I understand,\u2019 he said as he picked up his bag. \u2018I\u2019ll see myself out Adam.\u00a0 You get some rest now, you hear?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded as the man left the room.\u00a0 He sat down and stared at his father as he waited for Hop Sing to come upstairs, saying a silent prayer in his heart for the man he loved so deeply. \u2018Get well Pa,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018We need you \u2026 all three of us do.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Come on Joe,\u2019 said Hoss urgently as he looked back over his shoulder and noticed the dawn light was getting stronger. \u2018We gotta keep moving.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I gotta rest for a bit,\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018I\u2019m tired.\u2019\u00a0 He sat down on a rock and began to swing his little legs back and forth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss walked back down the slope and sat next to his little brother. \u2018All right,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018But just for a minute. We gotta get to the cave by sunup.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018We going to our cave?\u2019 he said excitedly. \u2018Is that where we\u2019re gonna hide out Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded. \u2018Yep,\u2019 he said. \u2018We can keep an eye on what\u2019s going on at home from there and still be hidden. Sides \u2026 there\u2019s some food we got stashed there from our camping trips remember?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded. He\u2019d only been allowed on one trip overnight to the cave so far and that was when Adam had been with them, but he remembered it as a great adventure.\u00a0 \u2018There\u2019s water nearby too, ain\u2019t there?\u2019 he added.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure is,\u2019 said Hoss with a grin.\u00a0 In spite of his worry about his father, it was all beginning to sound like a great adventure to him as well. \u2018We\u2019ll be fine there Joe \u2026 and every day we\u2019ll sneak out to the top of the hill and look down on home.\u00a0 We\u2019ll be able to tell when Pa is up and around and then we can go back down there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What did you write on that paper you left at the Hallam\u2019s place?\u00a0 The one you put on the table?\u00a0 You didn\u2019t tell em where we was going did ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss snorted. \u2018Course not \u2026 as if I would!\u00a0 Don\u2019t worry Joe.\u00a0 I never told em where we going and I said that Adam and Pa weren\u2019t ta worry bout us is all.\u00a0 Mr Hallam will give the note to Adam and then he\u2019ll know that we\u2019ll be okay.\u2019\u00a0 He looked up the hill. \u2018Come on, we gotta get moving again.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam took the piece of paper from Frank\u2019s outstretched hand and opened it, reading in silence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Deer Adam,<\/p>\n I\u2019m writting this so ya don\u2019t worry none bout me and Joe. We\u2019s gone somewheres we can\u2019t get inta troubble no more and worry no one.\u00a0 I\u2019ll bring Joe back when Pa is better and I\u2019ll look after him good till then. Tell Pa we luv him and we will be good.<\/p>\n Luv from your brother Hoss<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked up at Frank. \u2018Trouble?\u2019 he asked. \u2018What kind of trouble were they in?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank looked shamefaced. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018Seems those boys of mine were causing trouble for the younguns.\u00a0 When I read the note this morning they owned up to it.\u00a0 I got kinda angry with your brothers when I thought they were causing trouble.\u2019\u00a0 He hesitated. \u2018My boys ain\u2019t bad really \u2026. Just young and full of life.\u2019 Adam raised his eyebrow at the man\u2019s remark and made no comment. \u2018I tried to find their tracks at first light,\u2019 went on Frank. \u2018Seems they headed up into the hills.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Did they take their ponies?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018They was on foot.\u00a0 Another reason why I think they went up into the hills.\u00a0 I was thinking I\u2019d get into town and ask for volunteers to start looking for the younguns, but I wanted to come and let you know first.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded, his concern clearly showing on his face. \u2018Charlie will organise some of the men from here as well,\u2019 he said. He glanced over his shoulder at the house and hesitated, his anxiety for his father obvious to the other man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Now don\u2019t you worry bout them younguns,\u2019 Frank assured the young man. \u2018We\u2019ll find em fer ya Adam.\u00a0 You just stay here and look after your Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked torn. \u2018I don\u2019t \u2026 I mean \u2026\u2019 he bit his lip. \u2018I\u2019ll see how Pa is and if he continues to improve then I\u2019ll join you,\u2019 he said. \u2018Thank you Frank.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank nodded and then mounted his horse. \u2018We\u2019ll find em Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t you worry none.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam watched the man as he rode out of the yard and then turned towards the barn. \u2018Charlie!\u2019 he yelled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss lay flat on his stomach and looked over the edge of the cliff. \u2018There!\u201d he said. \u2018Can ya see it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe scrunched up next to his brother and craned his neck to see. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said wistfully as he looked down on The Ponderosa ranch house. \u2018I ain\u2019t never seen it from so high up before Hoss. It looks little, don\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure does,\u2019 said Hoss, squinting in the sunlight.\u00a0 He spied a figure coming out of the barn. \u2018Look \u2026 there\u2019s Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe leant forward to see and giggled. \u2018He looks little too, don\u2019t he Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure does,\u2019 agreed Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Do ya think we\u2019ll see Pa?\u2019 asked Little Joe in a small voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head. \u2018Not yet,\u2019 he said. \u2018He won\u2019t be outta bed yet even if \u2026\u2019 his voice trailed away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Even if what?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nothin,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Come on, let\u2019s get back to the cave.\u00a0 We ain\u2019t had breakfast yet.\u2019\u00a0 He led his little brother back to the cave and sat him down on the sandy floor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What we having for breakfast Hoss?\u2019 asked Little Joe as he looked trustingly at his big brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss examined the pile of tins that were stacked at the back of the cave where he and Adam had left them some months ago. \u2018Depends,\u2019 he said. \u2018We got lots of beans.\u00a0 I guess we can start with them.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You want me to get some water?\u2019\u00a0 asked Little Joe eagerly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss handed him a bucket. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now be careful Joe.\u00a0 You go straight to the stream and then back again, hear?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yep,\u2019 said Little Joe and ran out of the cave happily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss began to pile the sticks they had gathered into a pile and fetched the matches from the small storage area he and Adam had created at the back of the cave.\u00a0 As he watched the small fire begin to crackle and flame, he thought about how lucky they were to have this cave and how fortunate it was that he and Adam had always kept it stocked with what they considered as essentials.\u00a0 They had spent many a happy night here \u2026 just the two of them \u2026 since Adam had discovered the cave some years ago, and Hoss suspected that he and Little Joe would spend some good times there in the future now that Adam was too grown up to come here much.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He sighed as the thought of their happy times made him think about his father again and he prayed that everything down at the ranch was all right.\u00a0 His hope was that they would see Pa sitting on the front porch one day soon and then he would know that it was all right to take Joe home again \u2026 until then they\u2019d just have to stay here and wait and hope.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hoss? Is this enough?\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe came in and put the half full bucket on the ground.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You done good Joe,\u2019 said Hoss and patted his little brother on the back. \u2018I\u2019ll get breakfast ready.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe watched as Hoss expertly began to cook their beans. \u2018You sure are clever, ain\u2019t ya Hoss?\u2019 he said. \u2018This is better than being at the Hallam\u2019s place.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded. \u2018Sure is,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll be okay here Joe. We\u2019ve got everything we need fer now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What about tonight?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What about it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019ll be dark won\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Course it will,\u2019 replied Hoss. \u2018But you\u2019ve been here one night before, remember? You did okay then.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded thoughtfully. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018But Adam let me sleep with him that time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well you can sleep with me this time,\u2019 Hoss assured his little brother. \u2018I told ya Joe.\u00a0 We\u2019ll be fine.\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe hugged his knees to his chest and watched the flickering flames in front of him as Hoss continued to stir the beans.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How is he?\u2019 asked Adam as he entered the room and saw Hop Sing sitting by his father\u2019s bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Same,\u2019 said Hop Sing as he wiped Ben\u2019s face with a wet cloth. \u2018Fever go down like doctor say, but he still not awake.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sat down on the other side of the bed and stared at his father\u2019s face. \u2018The boys have taken off,\u2019 he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing looked up. \u2018Why?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Where they go to?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018Mr Hallam is organising some men to go and find them.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at Hop Sing. \u2018I should go with them,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing waved him away. \u2018You go,\u2019 he said. \u2018I look after Mr Cartlight.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hesitated. \u2018I was sure hoping you\u2019d say that Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018Only \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He be fine,\u2019 the cook assured the young man. \u2018I look after him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stared at his father again. \u2018If only he\u2019d wake up,\u2019 he said. \u2018If only I knew that he was going to be all right.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018If he wake up he tell you that you should go look for boys,\u2019 said Hop Sing sternly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled at the man. \u2018You\u2019re right of course,\u2019 he said. \u2018Thank you Hop Sing.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be back as soon as I can.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded and went back to wiping Ben\u2019s face again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u2019\u00a0 Hoss felt Joe\u2019s knees sticking into his back and he shifted slightly under the blanket to accommodate them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Can we put some more wood on the fire?\u00a0 It\u2019s getting awful dark.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We have to save it for later,\u2019 explained Hoss.\u00a0 We don\u2019t need it yet.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How come its so dark out here?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Cause we\u2019re in a cave remember?\u00a0 If we were outside then we\u2019d get some light from the moon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Lets move outside then.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019re safer in here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was silence for a moment. \u2018Safe from what?\u2019 Little Joe breathed into his brother\u2019s ear anxiously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Aw\u2026 nothing Joe.\u00a0 It\u2019s just warmer is what I meant.\u00a0 Sides \u2026 its right cosy don\u2019t ya think?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was silence again. \u2018Some,\u2019 Little Joe replied finally. \u2018Hey Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss sighed as he fought sleep again. \u2018Yeah?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How many times do ya think we\u2019re gonna have ta sleep here until Pa gets better?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hoss thought for a moment. \u2018I\u2019m not sure Joe,\u2019 he said finally. \u2018We\u2019ll just haveta wait and see.\u00a0 We\u2019ll check every day though buddy and as soon as we see him up and about we\u2019re going straight home.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe gave a huge yawn and snuggled in even tighter to his brother. \u2018I sure hope we see him up and about real soon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded. \u2018So do I,\u2019 he said wistfully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hey Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss blinked a couple of times to try and keep his eyes open. \u2018Yeah?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018If Pa does \u2026 well if we don\u2019t see him up and around ever, then what will we do?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019ll go home anyway,\u2019 said Hoss determinedly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Will Adam be our Pa then?\u2019 asked Little Joe in a sleepy voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018He won\u2019t be our Pa \u2026 but he\u2019ll look after us Joe. We\u2019ll be OK buddy whatever happens.\u00a0 Understand?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was no answer, so Hoss closed his eyes thankfully and drifted off to sleep.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The tracks stop here.\u2019\u00a0 Frank Hallam pointed to the ground and then gazed up at the rocky rise about them. \u2018They could have gone in any direction from here.\u00a0 We\u2019re going to have to fan out in all directions.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head, sorry for once that he and Pa had taught Hoss so well about tracking.\u00a0 The boy was certainly using all his skills to hide their tracks and Adam felt his heart sinking as he realised just what a vast area they now had to cover.\u00a0 Frank was right \u2026 the boys could be anywhere up here in the hills and they might never \u2026 he brushed the thought from his mind immediately.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019ll take this side,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What is it Adam?\u2019 asked Charlie as he drew his horse to a halt beside the young man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked thoughtful. \u2018Nothing,\u2019 he said. \u2018Only \u2026 there\u2019s an old cave up there that I used to take Hoss to.\u00a0 Maybe he\u2019s headed there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Could be,\u2019 said Frank. \u2018You want us all to come with you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he replied. \u2018They may not be there and then we\u2019ll just have wasted time.\u00a0 I\u2019ll check it out on my way up this side.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Right,\u2019 said Frank. \u2018Two shots if anyone finds anything and we\u2019ll meet back here at sundown if no one does. Agreed?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam watched as the men dispersed and then headed his own horse up towards the spot around where he\u2019d found that cave.\u00a0 As he rode his mind was a jumble of thoughts \u2026 worry for his father and if he were recovering or not, concern for his brothers and anger with them also for doing this.\u00a0 He knew that Hoss had thought he was doing the only thing he could, but still he felt a great deal of frustration with them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n So it was that when he rode into the clearing in front of the cave and saw his two brothers sitting in front of a small fire that his temper exploded and he found himself shouting at them as he dismounted from his horse. \u2018What do you two think you\u2019re doing up here?\u2019 he demanded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss got to his feet and faced his older brother. \u2018I\u2019m \u2026 I\u2019m sorry Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I promised I\u2019d look after Joe and I couldn\u2019t do it down there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put his hands on his hips. \u2018What do you mean?\u2019 he said in a short voice. \u2018The Hallams are perfectly fine people and just because you had a bit of trouble fitting in there doesn\u2019t mean that you \u2026.\u2019 He stopped as he saw his brother hang his head and shuffle at the ground with his foot.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m sorry Adam,\u2019 muttered Hoss. \u2018I jest couldn\u2019t take it no more.\u00a0 And it weren\u2019t fair ta Joe neither.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah!\u2019 agreed Joe who had leapt to his feet and gone to stand next to Hoss. \u2018It weren\u2019t fair what they done Adam and we ain\u2019t gonna go back there no how!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam took a step back, startled at the intensity of the little boy\u2019s voice. \u2018What happened?\u2019 he said after a moment. \u2018Both of you sit down and tell me all about it.\u2019 As he listened to both boys relate the story of their experiences Adam realised just how hurt and frightened they\u2019d been. As they talked, Little Joe gradually climbed up onto his brother\u2019s lap and snuggled there and even Hoss drew closer to his brother as if to find comfort in his presence. \u2018I see,\u2019 Adam said finally when they had at last finished.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gave his brother an anxious look. \u2018I did it fer Joe Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018I promised you that I\u2019d look after him and I aimed ta keep that promise.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t want them hurting him none.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I weren\u2019t afraid of em but!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018Well \u2026 not much anyways.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put his arm around Hoss and gave the boy a quick squeeze. \u2018I understand,\u2019 he said. \u2018Although there were perhaps better ways of dealing with it, you did what you thought was right.\u00a0 The important thing now is that you\u2019re both OK.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked up at his brother anxiously. \u2018Is Pa OK too Adam?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I sure hope so buddy,\u2019 replied his brother as he stood up and fired his gun twice into the air.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s that for?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018To tell the others that I\u2019ve found you,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018You\u2019ve got half the district out looking for you.\u00a0 Come on, we need to get back down to the lake and meet them.\u2019\u00a0 He hoisted Little Joe up onto his horse and beckoned for Hoss to sit behind his brother before slowly leading the horse down the hillside.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By the time they reached the lake most of the men had made it there before them and were clustered around a small fire drinking coffee. Frank Hallam strode straight over to them. \u2018You found them!\u2019 he exclaimed. \u2018Thank the Lord!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018They were up at the cave as I suspected,\u2019 replied Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll take em off your hands then,\u2019 said Frank.\u00a0 He turned to the two boys who were still seated on the horse. \u2018I\u2019m sorry my boys caused ya trouble younguns,\u2019 he said. \u2018I promise that it won\u2019t happen again.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked at Adam and Little Joe positively glared at Frank Hallam as he crossed his little arms in front of his chest. \u2018We ain\u2019t going back with you!\u2019 he declared firmly. \u2018We\u2019s going home ta see our Pa now, ain\u2019t we Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged his shoulders at Frank. \u2018I think it might be best if I do take them home now,\u2019 he said. \u2018You understand.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Frank grinned at him. \u2018Sure I do,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll bring their things over later.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Say thank you to Mr Hallam,\u2019 instructed Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss murmured his thanks without looking at the man until Frank laid his hand on the boy\u2019s shoulder. \u2018I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 he said. \u2018I shoulda known that you weren\u2019t the sorta boy who woulda done them things.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked at the man and grinned. \u2018That\u2019s OK,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And you apologize for speaking to Mr Hallam like that,\u2019 said Adam, tapping Little Joe on the leg.\u00a0 \u2018There is no excuse for rudeness.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe glared down at his brother and then mumbled \u2018I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 under his breath.\u00a0 Frank Hallam patted him on the leg and stepped back with a smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank you everyone,\u2019 said Adam in a loud voice. \u2018I\u2019m sorry to have taken you away from your homes like this. I know my father \u2026\u2019 he hesitated for a moment. \u2018My father will be grateful to you as well when he recovers.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019ll be just fine Adam,\u2019 said Frank and all the others behind him nodded their heads. \u2018A man like Ben Cartwright is tough.\u00a0 He\u2019ll be fine boy.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you worry.\u2019\u00a0 Frank patted Adam on the shoulder and smiled at Hoss and Little Joe. \u2018You get on home to him now boys.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss got down from his brother\u2019s horse and mounted up behind Charlie, while Adam took Little Joe in front of him.\u00a0 Together they disappeared over the crest of the hillside, headed towards home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing walked to the hallway and looked down from the top of the stairs.\u00a0 He smiled as the front door opened and the three Cartwright boys entered the great room down below.\u00a0 Hoss looked up at the man as Adam bent down to help Little Joe take off his hat and coat. \u2018Is Pa OK Hop Sing?\u2019 he called. \u2018Is he?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing walked down a couple of stairs as Hoss reached the bottom.\u00a0 He was acutely aware that even though the question had been voiced by one of the boys that all three were in fact straining to hear his response. \u2018He be awake some time,\u2019 he said. \u2018But he asleep now.\u00a0 He look better doctor say.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave the man a huge smile and Hoss made to ascend the stairs, followed closely by Little Joe who had waved his eldest brother\u2019s hands away impatiently and run over to the stairs as well.\u00a0 \u2018Hold on there you two,\u2019 said Adam sternly as he collared both boys and prevented them from going upstairs. \u2018You heard what Hop Sing said.\u00a0 Pa is asleep and I\u2019m sure that he needs his rest.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But Adam \u2026.\u2019 said Hoss pleadingly. \u2018We need ta see him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah!\u2019 agreed Little Joe as he tried to wriggle free. \u2018We need ta see him Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam relaxed his grip. \u2018All right,\u2019 he said as he sensed the desperation in both the boys\u2019 voices. \u2018But no talking.\u00a0 Pa needs to sleep.\u2019\u00a0 He led them both upstairs, followed by Hop Sing and halted at the doorway to their father\u2019s room and put his finger on his lip before opening it.\u00a0 Inside they could see the still form of their father as he lay in the bed and as they approached the bed Adam noticed how pale the man still looked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss breathed a sigh of relief. \u2018He\u2019s gonna be OK,\u2019 he said, happy now that he\u2019d seen his father and been assured that he wasn\u2019t dead. \u2018I jest know it,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded confidently beside him. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he agreed. \u2018He\u2019s gonna be OK now that we\u2019re back here ta look after him,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I told you to be quiet,\u2019 whispered Adam. \u2018Now both of you get downstairs. Go on scat!\u2019\u00a0 He winked at Hop Sing and then smiled as the man ushered the two boys out of the room.\u00a0 Adam sat down on a chair next to the bed and leant forward as he whispered into his father\u2019s ear. \u2018I brought them home again Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018They\u2019re both OK.\u2019\u00a0 As he straightened up he could have sworn that he saw the glimmer of a smile on his father\u2019s sleeping face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n +++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How are ya feeling this morning Pa?\u2019 asked Hoss as he carefully carried in the breakfast tray. \u2018Better?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled at his son. \u2018Much better thank you,\u2019 he said as Hoss set the tray down on the dresser beside his father\u2019s bed. \u2018Sit down for a moment Hoss.\u00a0 I\u2019d like to talk to you.\u2019\u00a0 Hoss sat down on the edge of the bed as his father had instructed. \u2018Adam has told me what happened over at the Hallam\u2019s,\u2019 said Ben and watched as a worried look came over his son\u2019s face momentarily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I did it ta protect Joe,\u2019 mumbled Hoss. \u2018I didn\u2019t mean ta cause all that trouble fer everyone.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know son,\u2019 replied Ben and I\u2019m very proud of you for looking after your brother in that way.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked up. \u2018You are?\u2019 he asked in a surprised tone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes I am son.\u00a0 You did what you thought was right for your brother.\u00a0 I just wish that there had been another way you could have done it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m sorry Pa,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018I couldn\u2019t think of any other way and I promised Adam that I\u2019d look after him is all. Us Cartwrights hadta stick together.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stroked the boy\u2019s hair gently. \u2018I know son,\u2019 he said. \u2018And you did it well.\u2019\u00a0 They both turned as a shout from the hallway drifted in to them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No!\u2019 they heard Little Joe say. \u2018I wanna see Pa too!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s all right Adam,\u2019 called out Ben with a wink to Hoss. \u2018Let him come in.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly a little whirlwind appeared at the door and flung itself across the room towards the bed.\u00a0 As it reached the other side of the room it stopped momentarily and Ben smiled down into the face of his youngest son. \u2018Hi Pa!\u2019 Little Joe said happily. \u2018How ya feeling today?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Stop bouncing on the mattress!\u2019 admonished Adam as he entered the room behind his brother. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Pa .. I tried to keep him out.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled. \u2018That\u2019s fine Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018Family needs to be together at a time like this.\u00a0 I\u2019m fine Joseph,\u2019 he said as he stroked the child\u2019s hair.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Did they find out who shot ya Pa?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not yet,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018But with Sheriff Coffee on the job I\u2019m sure that they will soon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m gonna shoot em when he finds out who did it!\u2019 declared Little Joe angrily, pounding his small fists into the air.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That will be enough!\u2019 said his father firmly. \u2018I\u2019ll have none of that talk please.\u2019\u00a0 He wiggled his finger at the boys. \u2018Now don\u2019t both of you have to get ready for school? You don\u2019t want to be late.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Aw Pa!\u2019 protested Little Joe. \u2018I was thinking that I could stay home and look after you for a bit.\u2019\u00a0 He gave his father one of his most charming smiles, but Ben merely raised an eyebrow and shook his head, which turned his son\u2019s smile into a frown.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Go and get ready please,\u2019 Ben instructed. \u2018Go on.\u2019 He smiled at Adam as both boys left the room. \u2018Well we seem to be back to normal again,\u2019 he remarked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nearly,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018You just take it easy now Pa and get better and then we will be.\u2019\u00a0 He put the tray of food on his father\u2019s lap and then rolled his eyes as a loud noise came from the hallway out side. \u2018I\u2019d better go and check on those two,\u2019 he said. Ben chuckled quietly as he picked up his spoon.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The End<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n