Summary:\u00a0 Joe takes full advantage of his brothers\u2019 guilt when they cause him to have an accident.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 10,020 words<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The<\/span> Accident<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>Hoss Cartwright looked up at the loft for the tenth time and gave his youngest brother a frustrated look. \u2018Quit it, will ya Joe?\u2019 he said as he took off his hat and shook the hay off it. \u2018It ain\u2019t funny no more!\u2019 Joe looked down at his brother from his precarious position in the doorway of the loft where he was busy shuffling the bales of hay to the back of the room and gave one of his unmistakable giggles before throwing another handful of hay down onto his brother\u2019s head. \u2018 Quit it ya weasel!\u2019 shouted Hoss angrily. \u2018Or I\u2019ll come up there and pound ya!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s head disappeared quickly back into the loft at his brother\u2019s words and Hoss grunted as he turned back to the buckboard and continued to unload it. \u2018What\u2019s all the yelling about?\u2019 asked Adam as he came out from the barn and began to help his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That younger brother of ours,\u2019 grunted Hoss. \u2018I\u2019m sick of him and his tricks.\u2019\u00a0 He shook himself and dropped the sack of grain he was holding as another fistful of hay came raining down on them both. \u2018That\u2019s it!\u2019 he shouted angrily. \u2018You\u2019re gonna get pounded now Joe!\u2019\u00a0 He strode towards the barn while Adam tried unsuccessfully to hold him back.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Steady on brother,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018He\u2019ll keep!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stopped and looked over his shoulder at his older brother. \u2018Yeah?\u2019 he said with a grin. \u2018Reckon you\u2019re right Adam.\u2019\u00a0 He turned back towards the buckboard again and the two of them worked side by side for a few minutes before Little Joe slunk out of the barn and along the corral fence, keeping as much distance between himself and his two brothers as he could.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You know you could help us with this,\u2019 said Adam over his shoulder. \u2018It wouldn\u2019t hurt you to do a bit of work for a change instead of wasting your energy playing tricks on everyone.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his brother a mock-offended look. \u2018Now why would I do that?\u2019 he asked. \u2018You\u2019re both doing so well without me.\u2019\u00a0 He grinned at them both as he began to walk away, but unfortunately walked straight into his father who had come onto the front porch to see what all the yelling was about. \u2018Oh \u2026 sorry Pa,\u2019 said Joe with another grin at his father. \u2018Didn\u2019t see ya there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Obviously,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018And just where are you going, young man?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Into the house,\u2019 said Joe, trying unsuccessfully to sidestep his father and make his getaway. \u2018I\u2019ve been working hard and thought I\u2019d knock off for the day now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well you thought wrong,\u2019 said Ben, catching hold of his collar and turning him around to face the barn again. \u2018You can just help your brothers unload all those supplies.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah Joe,\u2019 said Hoss with a wink at Adam. \u2018Come on over here and help your big brothers, why don\u2019t ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed at the expression on Hoss\u2019 face. \u2018Well \u2026\u2019 he said, searching his brain for an excuse. \u2018I reckon \u2026 I\u2019d better just go and see if Hop Sing needs any wood chopped first.\u2019\u00a0 He tried to wriggle out of his father\u2019s grasp, but Ben gave him a firm push towards the barn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing has plenty of wood,\u2019 he said firmly. \u2018Now get to work Joseph!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe took a couple of tentative steps towards his brothers, giving them a half-grin as he did so.\u00a0 He looked over his shoulder at his father who stood with his arms crossed over his chest and gave him a hopeful look, but Ben merely pointed to the buckboard. \u2018I want all that unloaded quick smart,\u2019 he said, before turning and walking into the house.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You heard the man,\u2019 said Adam, walking over and holding onto Joe around the shoulders\u00a0 \u2018Come over here and we\u2019ll do it together, shall we?\u2019 he added sweetly while he walked his youngest brother forcibly towards the buckboard and positioned him in between himself and Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed nervously as he looked at both his brothers.\u00a0 Hoss winked at Adam over the top of Joe\u2019s head and they began to work again.\u00a0 Both of them knew from experience that the threat of what they might do to their youngest brother was much more effective than actually doing it at times and so they let him sweat it out while they worked as if nothing had happened.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe continued to watch his brothers nervously as all three of them worked, but after a few minutes he settled down and began to think that they weren\u2019t planning anything after all. \u2018So,\u2019 he said sociably. \u2018Are we going to that dance tonight?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t know about you,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018But I certainly am. How about you Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I reckon so,\u2019 replied Hoss. \u2018I aim ta dance with Bessie Sue.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked down at his brother\u2019s feet and shook his head. \u2018Well maybe you\u2019d better not wear any boots then,\u2019 he said as he picked up a sack. \u2018Else you might break her toes.\u2019\u00a0 He dropped the sack onto Hoss\u2019 foot and added with exaggerated innocence. \u2018Oh so sorry brother! What have I done?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss held onto his foot and grimaced. \u2018Why you little \u2026.\u2019 he yelled and reached for his younger brother, but Joe was too quick for him and jumped up onto the back of the buckboard and grinned down at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You gotta be quicker than that,\u2019 he said cheekily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You OK Hoss?\u2019 asked Adam as Hoss rubbed his foot ruefully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah \u2026 no thanks ta that little weasel,\u2019 muttered Hoss. \u2018I\u2019m plumb sick of you and your tricks Joe!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sat down on a sack of grain and grinned at both his brothers. \u2018Not sure what you mean Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018But you two had better hurry up and get all this unloaded before Pa catches you slackening off.\u2019\u00a0 He bounded over the top of the sacks and onto the front seat of the buckboard before jumping down and sauntering off in the direction of the kitchen. \u2018I\u2019ll see ya at supper,\u2019 he said over his shoulder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m gonna pound him into the ground some day,\u2019 muttered Hoss angrily. \u2018I\u2019m gonna get his scrawny neck and twist it so that his head is on backwards.\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Calm down brother,\u2019 said Adam, putting his hand on Hoss\u2019 shoulder. \u2018I agree that our younger brother needs a lesson in manners, but there are easier ways.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gave Adam a puzzled look. \u2018There are?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded and winked at him. \u2018There are,\u2019 he said firmly.\u00a0 He put his arm around Hoss\u2019 neck and drew him close. \u2018Now here\u2019s what we\u2019re going to do \u2026\u2019 he whispered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I hope you all have a good time tonight,\u2019 said Ben at the supper table later that evening.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why don\u2019t you come too Pa?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018It\u2019ll do you good.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018I\u2019m looking forward to a nice quiet evening here,\u2019 he said. \u2018You boys go and enjoy yourselves though. You\u2019ve worked hard all week and you deserve it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Some of us have,\u2019 muttered Hoss under his breath, giving Joe a hard look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe merely returned the look from across the table with a grin as he put down his napkin. \u2018Well I\u2019d best be off then Pa,\u2019 he said as he stood up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019ll all ride in together,\u2019 instructed his father. \u2018I\u2019ll not have you going by yourself Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his father a frustrated look. \u2018Aw Pa!\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m not a baby no more. I can ride into town by myself you know!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know that,\u2019 said Ben patiently. \u2018However, I was not referring to your riding ability young man.\u00a0 I was referring to your ability to cause trouble.\u00a0 I\u2019d rather have you within sight of your brothers.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t you worry Pa,\u2019 Adam assured his father. \u2018We\u2019ll take real good care of him for you.\u2019\u00a0 He flashed his youngest brother a sweet smile and Joe\u2019s own smile turned to a frown at the sight of it.\u00a0 He swallowed and hastily stepped away from the table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll go and saddle up,\u2019 he muttered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t ferget ta wait for us!\u2019 shouted Hoss, with a wink at Adam. \u2018Come on older brother. We\u2019d best get moving.\u00a0 We don\u2019t want to miss all the fun, do we?\u2019 he added meaningfully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That we don\u2019t,\u2019 said Adam with a huge grin. \u2018We\u2019ll see you later Pa.\u2019 He motioned for Hoss to follow him and both brothers headed outside together after putting on their hats and coats.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well lookee here,\u2019 said Hoss with feigned innocence. \u2018However did that get up there?\u2019 He pointed to the top of the barn where Joe\u2019s saddle hung from the hook that they used for the pulley when they were pulling bales of hay up to the loft. \u2018Looks like you won\u2019t be able to go to the dance now little brother.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam scratched his chin and shook his head as he gazed up at the saddle. \u2018Now what a shame,\u2019 he said sadly. \u2018I\u2019d say that you\u2019ve got a bit of a dilemma Joe.\u00a0 You\u2019d better get up there and get it down if you want to come with us.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glared at both his brothers angrily. \u2018Very funny!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We thought so,\u2019 said Adam easily, leaning on Hoss\u2019 shoulder as he watched his angry youngest brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ya\u2019d better get on up there and get it if ya\u2019re coming with us,\u2019 said Hoss with a grin. \u2018We ain\u2019t gonna wait long.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You know I don\u2019t like heights,\u2019 said Joe angrily. \u2018One of you get it for me, will ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u2018I\u2019ve got to get my horse saddled up,\u2019 he said. \u2018How about you Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I reckon I got things ta do too,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Hurry up Joe if you\u2019ve a mind ta still come with us.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The two brothers walked over to their horses chuckling and left their younger brother staring up at his saddle, his face going redder by the minute and his fists clenched tight in anger. He glared after his retreating brothers and then stomped into the barn and climbed up to the loft.\u00a0 He opened the door and looked upwards to where his saddle was dangling above him.\u00a0 \u2018What a dumb thing to do!\u2019 he muttered angrily and reached up to try and pull the saddle towards him. Unfortunately, he wasn\u2019t tall enough and the saddle remained out of his reach.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Having a bit of trouble up there are you?\u2019 shouted a voice from down below and Joe glanced down to see Adam and Hoss leaning on their horses and grinning up at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I suppose you think this is real funny?\u2019 he shouted back.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure do,\u2019 shouted up Hoss. \u2018Real funny!\u2019\u00a0 He and Adam chuckled as they grinned up at Joe. \u2018Pity ya ain\u2019t a bit taller Joe,\u2019 he added. \u2018Then ya could maybe reach it easy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe scowled at his brothers and then turned to look inside the loft for something that he might be able to use to hook onto the saddle.\u00a0 Within minutes he reappeared with a long rake in his hands and began to reach upwards again, swinging the saddle from side to side in his attempts to dislodge it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You have to do better than that!\u2019 shouted up Adam gleefully. \u2018Try swinging it further out!\u2019\u00a0 He winked at Hoss who winked back at him.\u00a0 They watched their little brother as he tried again and again to hook the rake onto the saddle, both of them giggling all the while.\u00a0 Finally Joe gave them a particularly angry look and lunged forward with the rake, losing his balance and toppling out of the loft and crashing onto the ground below.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Instantly Hoss and Adam sprang forward, their expressions changed in a moment from gleeful to concerned.\u00a0 They ran to where their younger brother was sprawled on the ground, his arms and legs flung out in all directions. \u2018Joe!\u2019 said Adam anxiously. \u2018Joe! Can you hear me?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe groaned slightly and tossed his head from side to side, his eyes fluttering open and then closed again. \u2018He ain\u2019t hearing ya Adam,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Joe! Joe boy! It\u2019s Hoss \u2026 open ya eyes!\u2019\u00a0 He bent down and lifted Joe\u2019s head from the ground, causing the youngster to groan again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What happened?\u2019 called an anxious voice behind them and Ben skidded to a stop beside them pushing them both to one side in his anxiety. \u2018I heard the thud from inside,\u2019 he added as he examined Joe\u2019s head for any bumps. \u2018What happened?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He fell Pa,\u2019 said Hoss, giving Adam a worried look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Fell?\u2019 asked Ben as he gathered Joe\u2019s head into his arms and peered down anxiously into his face. \u2018Fell from where?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The loft,\u2019 said Adam after a moment\u2019s hesitation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked up at him. \u2018The loft?\u2019 he said. \u2018What on earth was he doing up there?\u00a0 No \u2026 don\u2019t answer me now\u2026 the important thing is to make sure that he\u2019s all right.\u2019\u00a0 He looked down at the youngster in his arms again. \u2018Joe?\u00a0 Joe son, can you hear me?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered open again and he looed up into his father\u2019s face. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said in a small voice. \u2018Pa?\u00a0 Is that you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s all right son,\u2019 said Ben gently, pushing back a stray curl from Joe\u2019s forehead. \u2018Your Pa\u2019s here now.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be all right.\u2019\u00a0 He looked over at Hoss. \u2018Get into town and get the doctor Hoss. Hurry!\u2019 Hoss gave his younger brother one last stricken look before jumping to his feet and running towards his horse. \u2018Help me lift him Adam,\u2019 said Ben. He put his hands under Joe\u2019s shoulders and began to lift, but a cry from Joe stopped him immediately.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t! It hurts!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben glanced over at Adam. \u2018Get a piece of wood,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll lift him onto it and get him into the house on that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t move. \u2018Pa \u2026\u2019 he began. \u2018I\u2019m sorry \u2026 Hoss and I \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Later!\u2019 said Ben shortly. \u2018Get the wood!\u2019\u00a0 He brushed Joe\u2019s curls from his forehead again as he waited for Adam to return. \u2018It\u2019s all right son,\u2019 he murmured. \u2018It\u2019ll be all right soon.\u2019\u00a0 Joe groaned again. \u2018Where does it hurt?\u2019 Ben asked gently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018My .. my back\u2026\u2019 whimpered Joe as he clutched hold of Ben\u2019s sleeve. \u2018My back hurts Pa.\u2019 He tried to move, but the movement caused him to cry aloud again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Keep still Joe,\u2019 urged his father. \u2018Just keep still boy.\u2019\u00a0 He looked up as Adam came back dragging a large piece of wood. \u2018Good boy,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now put it down next to him.\u00a0 I\u2019ll raise him bit by bit and you push the wood underneath.\u2019\u00a0 He lifted Joe\u2019s legs slightly, causing the youngster to moan again. \u2018Steady Joe,\u2019 he murmured. \u2018We\u2019ll have this done in a moment.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Within minutes Joe was lying on the wood and Adam and Ben each grabbed hold of an end and lifted it to carry carefully into the house. They went straight upstairs, carefully moving Joe on the wooden plank around the landing in the middle and then straight down the hallway to Joe\u2019s bedroom.\u00a0 As they laid him onto the bed, Joe whimpered in relief as he felt the bumping stopping at last.\u00a0 Ben leant over his son and spoke to him gently as Adam slowly pulled the plank of wood out from under him. \u2018It\u2019s all right now Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ve got you into bed now.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be all right once the doctor gets here.\u2019\u00a0 He patted his son\u2019s face gently. \u2018Try and close your eyes and sleep,\u2019 he said. \u2018Doc Martin is on his way.\u2019\u00a0 He looked up at Adam with a worried expression on his face as Joe\u2019s eyes closed. \u2018It\u2019s his back,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018It could be bad Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded slowly as he looked at his pale younger brother on the bed.\u00a0 He swallowed several times, not trusting himself to speak. What have we done?<\/em> He said to himself. What have we done?<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul Martin stood up and looked at Ben. \u2018I think he\u2019ll be all right,\u2019 he said with a smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But Paul \u2026 his back .. he\u2019s in agony every time he moves,\u2019 said Ben, giving Joe a worried look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Just a pinched nerve,\u2019 said Paul calmly as he closed his bag. \u2018He\u2019s a lucky boy\u2026 it could have been a lot worse \u2026 even fatal.\u2019\u00a0 He pointed a finger at Joe. \u2018As long as you keep still your back should improve slowly,\u2019 he said. \u2018No getting out of that bed do you hear?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe rolled his eyes. \u2018Getting out of bed is the last thing on my mind at the moment Doc,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s hurts a lot just to move a bit.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m sure that it does,\u2019 said the doctor. \u2018You need complete bed-rest young man.\u2019 He turned to Ben. \u2018Just make sure that he stays there Ben.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Don\u2019t you worry \u2026 he\u2019ll stay there,\u2019 said Ben, giving Joe a meaningful look. \u2018Now drink that painkiller young man.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe obediently drank the milky solution and then gave the glass back to his father, making a face as he did so.\u2019 Yuck,\u2019 he said as he wiped his face. \u2018You sure manage to get the worst tasting medicines Doc.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul Martin laughed. \u2018And you should know,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019ve had enough of them. Now go to sleep.\u2019\u00a0 He shook his head as Ben led his out of the room and Joe settled down on the bed his eyes already beginning to droop with the effects of the painkiller.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By the time Ben arrived back with Adam and Hoss, Joe was fast asleep in the bed.\u00a0 Ben down next to him on a chair and looked with concern at his son\u2019s sleeping face. \u2018Paul said it could have been a lot worse,\u2019 he said. \u2018Even fatal.\u00a0 Joseph is certainly a lucky boy.\u2019\u00a0 He shook his head. \u2018Mind you, I\u2019ll have a piece of him when he\u2019s feeling better.\u00a0 What on earth do you suppose he was doing up there in the loft playing tricks like that for?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018If I\u2019ve told him once I\u2019ve told him a hundred times not to carry on with any of those stupid tricks of his.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Imagine hanging out of the loft like that!\u00a0 He should have more sense. When \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What?\u201d\u00a0 Ben gave Adam a frustrated look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe didn\u2019t \u2026 I mean \u2026 it wasn\u2019t his fault.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What do you mean it wasn\u2019t his fault?\u00a0 Then whose fault was it that he fell?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave Hoss a mournful look. \u2018It was mine,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hoss\u2019 and mine.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned. \u2018What are you talking about?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam drew a deep breath. \u2018Hoss and I hung his saddle up there and he was trying to get it down,\u2019 he said lamely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stood up. \u2018Am I hearing you correctly?\u2019 he said. \u2018Why on earth would you both do a danged fool thing like that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shrugged. \u2018He was asking for it Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018We were sick of him annoying us.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018And so you hung his saddle up on the roof of the loft?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I can\u2019t believe that either of you would be so stupid!\u00a0 Don\u2019t you realise that your brother could have been killed?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked ashamed. \u2018We didn\u2019t think \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Exactly!\u00a0 You didn\u2019t think!\u2019 said Ben angrily. \u2018Of al the danged blamed things to do!\u00a0 Well all I can say is that you are both lucky Joe wasn\u2019t hurt badly.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018We\u2019re sorry Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m not the one you have to say sorry to,\u2019 said Ben, still angry. He indicated Joe\u2019s sleeping form on the bed. \u2018Your brother is the one who has to hear that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah but Pa,\u2019 interrupted Hoss. \u2018He was asking fer it.\u00a0 If you could have \u2026\u2019 He stopped as he caught the expression on his father\u2019s face. \u2018I reckon so,\u2019 he sighed. \u2018We\u2019ll tell him we\u2019re sorry when he wakes up.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018See that you do!\u2019 said Ben. \u2018And you can both take turns to stay with him while he sleeps.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want him left alone at the moment. Call me if he wakes up.\u2019\u00a0 He strode from the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I guess we deserved that,\u2019 said Adam with a sigh as he sat down. \u2018Pa\u2019s right \u2026 Joe could have been badly hurt and we\u2019d have been to blame if he had.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Reckon so,\u2019 said Hoss. He looked at Joe. \u2018Poor kid.\u00a0 He always hates having ta stay in bed don\u2019t he?\u2019 Adam nodded. \u2018Guess we\u2019ll just haveta help him get through it then huh?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded again. \u2018Guess so,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well you\u2019re looking a bit better since last night,\u2019 said Ben in a jovial tone as he entered Joe\u2019s bedroom and looked at his youngest son propped up on several pillows in the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe made a face. \u2018I don\u2019t feel any better,\u2019 he said. \u2018Still hurts to move.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019ll pass,\u2019 said his father as he sat on the edge of the bed. \u2018You just need complete rest for a few days. Do you want some more of that painkiller?\u2019 Joe shook his head. \u2018Well I\u2019ll go and get you some breakfast,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We already did that,\u2019 said Hoss as he carried a tray into the room and set it down carefully on the edge of the bed. \u2018There ya go Joe.\u00a0 I got Hop Sing ta cook ya up a mess of flapjacks just like ya like em and he did ya some eggs too.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And here\u2019s your coffee,\u2019 said Adam, putting it down on the tray. \u2018Lots of milk just like you take it \u2026 and with two sugars.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stared at his brothers, his eyes narrowing slightly. \u2018How come you two are being so nice to me?\u2019 he asked suspiciously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Because we\u2019re sorry for what we did,\u2019 explained Adam sincerely. \u2018We should never have hung your saddle up there and made you reach for it. We\u2019re sorry.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah,\u2019 agreed Hoss. \u2018Real sorry ya got hurt Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was silent for a moment. \u2018That\u2019s OK,\u2019 he said at last. \u2018I reckon you didn\u2019t mean me to get hurt like I did.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled at Hoss in relief. \u2018Tell you what Joe,\u2019 he said, sitting down carefully on the edge of the bed. \u2018Me and Hoss will make it up to you while you have to stay up here in bed.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes lit up. \u2018Yeah?\u2019 he said. \u2018How?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You just name it buddy,\u2019 said Hoss, sitting down on the other side of the bed. \u2018Whatever you need.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe thought for a moment. \u2018I can\u2019t think of anything right now,\u2019 he said. \u2018Thanks for the breakfast though.\u2019 He picked up his fork and began to eat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019re welcome,\u2019 said Adam, standing up. \u2018Well just let us know if you need anything.\u00a0 Come on Hoss, let\u2019s go downstairs and get our own breakfast.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Bye,\u2019 said Joe as he ate. \u2018Oh, wait a minute \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What?\u2019 Adam turned.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I could do with another cup of coffee if you don\u2019t mind.\u00a0 This one\u2019s a bit cold.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled at his brother. \u2018Sure,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll get it for you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks. Oh \u2026 and Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I could do with a book to read.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled at him again. \u2018I\u2019ll find one for you,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks.\u2019\u00a0 Joe smiled as Adam left the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stood up to go as well. \u2018Enjoy ya breakfast shortshanks,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I will. Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah buddy?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Do ya reckon you could bring me up some cards?\u00a0 I\u2019d kinda like ta play some solitaire.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure thing,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018I\u2019ll get em for ya.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe smiled at his father as Hoss left the room as well. \u2018I reckon it won\u2019t be too bad staying in bed for a few days,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll try and be patient this time Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben patted his son on the arm. \u2018That\u2019s the spirit,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe rang the small bell that was on the dresser beside his bed and smiled as Adam entered the room. \u2018Hi,\u2019 he said. \u2018Sorry to disturb you Adam, but would you mind getting me another pillow?\u00a0 This one\u2019s gone flat.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I\u2019ll be back in a minute.\u2019\u00a0 He left the room and came back moments later with a plump pillow in his hand which he proceeded to prop carefully behind Joe\u2019s back. \u2018That better?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Much,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Thanks Adam. Ya know, this bell was a real good idea of yours.\u00a0 Makes it much easier for me than having to shout for help all the time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Good,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Well I\u2019ll go and see if dinner is ready and bring it up for you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks.\u00a0 Oh … and Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stopped. \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Do you think you could bring me some cold water please?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam glanced at the jug beside his brother\u2019s bed. \u2018Haven\u2019t you got some left?\u00a0 I only filled a jug for you an hour ago.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well yeah, but it\u2019s not really cold now,\u2019 Joe explained. \u2018I\u2019d prefer some fresh if you don\u2019t mind.\u2019\u00a0 He put a hand on his forehead. \u2018It helps to cool me down.\u00a0 Sure gets hot up here in the middle of the day.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u2018Yes of course,\u2019 he said, picking up the jug. \u2018I\u2019ll refill it for you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Oh \u2026 and Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Can you get it from the well please?\u00a0 The water from the pump in the kitchen isn\u2019t really that cold.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018All right.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe settled back happily on his fresh pillow as he waited for his brother\u2019s return.\u00a0 After a moment he frowned and reached over for the bell again and rang it. A minute later Hoss entered the room. \u2018Ya want something Joe?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sorry to disturb you Hoss,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018But I was just wondering if I could get a cloth for my head.\u00a0 I\u2019d like to wipe some cold water on it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure Joe,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018You got some cold water?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam\u2019s getting that for me,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018If you could get the cloth that\u2019d be a help but.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK,\u2019 said Hoss, opening one of the dresser drawers. \u2018Here you go Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018It\u2019s hard for me to reach the drawers \u2026 my back hurts so much.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked anxious. \u2018I guess it must,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m sorry about that Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded and then sighed. \u2018The time just goes so slowly too,\u2019 he said. \u2018Not being able to get out of bed and all \u2026 it makes the day seem so long.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 eyes lit up. \u2018How bout I come up and play chess this afternoon with ya?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u2018What about your work?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Pa wouldn\u2019t let you miss out.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m supposed ta be doing yard chores this afternoon,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018I\u2019ll just play for an hour or two and do my chores after that. If I work extra fast I\u2019m sure that I\u2019ll be able to catch up by nightfall.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019d be fine Hoss,\u2019 said Joe happily. \u2018It might help me to forget the pain for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss immediately looked guilty. \u2018Sure Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll fix it with Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go downstairs and get your dinner for you now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks Hoss \u2026 and could you ask Hop Sing if I can have some extras of those little potatoes if he\u2019s doing any?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure Joe. You can have my share if he makes a fuss about it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks Hoss.\u2019\u00a0 Joe leant back on his new pillow and closed his eyes as he listened to the sound of Adam hauling up a bucket of extra cold water from the well in the front yard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Just lean over a bit more,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018That\u2019s it.\u2019\u00a0 He drew the chamber pot out and covered it with a cloth before placing it under the bed. \u2018Now that wasn\u2019t so bad was it?\u2019 he asked as he drew the covers up around Joe and settled them around him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s embarrassing,\u2019 said Joe with a pout.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nothing at all to be embarrassed about,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Now is there anything else you need?\u2019\u00a0 He cast his eyes over the books that were strewn over the bed, the bowl of fruit on the dresser and the discarded pack of cards that Joe had placed on his pillow. \u2018Or do you think that you have everything you need for now?\u2019 he asked with a twinkle in his eye.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I reckon I\u2019m OK for now Pa,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018If I need anything Hoss or Adam will get it for me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.\u00a0 His eyes twinkled as he walked towards the door. \u2018Oh .. Pa?\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes son?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018When ya get downstairs do you think you could ask Adam to bring up the checkerboard now?\u00a0 He said that he\u2019d play with me when I wanted him to.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I think your brother might be reading one of his books,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He\u2019d probably like to finish it first.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned. \u2018He said he\u2019d play when I asked,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m sure he won\u2019t mind.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll ask then,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I\u2019ll check in on you later son.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks Pa.\u2019 Ben smothered a chuckle as he made his way downstairs.\u00a0 It seemed that Joseph was reaping the benefits of his brothers\u2019 guilt and that his time in bed was actually becoming quite pleasant for him. Ben was grateful at least that he didn\u2019t need to constantly fight with the youngster over his confinement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe asked if you\u2019d like to take the checkerboard up and have a game with him Adam,\u2019 said Ben as he reached the living room.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked up from his book. \u2018Now?\u2019 he said in a frustrated tone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Apparently so,\u2019 said Ben dryly as he sat down and picked up his pipe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shut his book with a sigh and picked up the board and the pieces. \u2018I guess I\u2019ll have to finish this later then,\u2019 he said, casting a wistful look at the book he\u2019d put down on the coffee table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben lit his pipe and began to puff on it as he listened to the silence of the grandfather clock ticking.\u00a0 Suddenly the front door opened and Hoss entered the room carrying a large wooden structure. \u2018What on earth have you got there?\u2019 his father asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I made it for Joe,\u2019 explained Hoss. \u2018It fits over his bed and he can put things on it.\u00a0 Sorta like a table.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyebrows lifted. \u2018I see,\u2019 he said. \u2018Well he might appreciate it now, as he\u2019s playing checkers with Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019ll be perfect for that,\u2019 said Hoss with a grin. \u2018I\u2019ll take it up to him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben listened once more to the ticking of the clock before Adam appeared at the top of the stairs. \u2018I thought you were playing checkers with your brother?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I am … but Joe decided that he\u2019d rather play chess instead,\u2019 replied Adam as he bounded down the stairs and picked up the box of chess pieces and then bounded up the stairs again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben puffed a couple more times on his pipe before Hoss came down the stairs. \u2018Did it fit?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Perfect,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018I\u2019ll be back in a minute Pa.\u00a0 I forgot something outside.\u2019\u00a0 Within minutes he was back again clutching a small paper bag.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What have you got there?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Peppermint sticks for Joe,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018I bought em for him when ya sent me ta town fer supplies this afternoon and I plumb forgot I left em in my saddlebags. Be back soon Pa.\u2019 He walked up the stairs again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Coffee Mr Cartlight?\u2019 Ben turned to see Hop Sing standing beside him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank you Hop Sing,\u2019 said Ben as he picked up his empty cup and held it out for the cook to fill. \u2018I\u2019m glad to see that someone around here isn\u2019t waiting on Joseph hand and foot.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing snorted. \u2018Number three son got plenty things up there,\u2019 he said. \u2018Not need Hop Sing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No I guess you\u2019re right,\u2019 said Ben with a chuckle as Adam came bounding down the stairs again. \u2018I guess you and I are aren\u2019t really needed at the moment.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ve read that one,\u2019 said Joe with a pout as he flung the book onto the bed.\u00a0 \u2018I wanted something different.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll get you another one,\u2019 said Adam, picking up the book and leaving the room with it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well?\u2019 said Joe fretfully to Hoss. \u2018Do you want more cards or don\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss took two cards out of his hand and put them face down on the bed. \u2018Two,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe dealt him two cards and then pulled the half-sucked peppermint stick out of his mouth and looked at it. \u2018I\u2019m getting kinda sick of these,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019d be nice to have something different. How about getting me some gumdrops tomorrow Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head sadly. \u2018I can\u2019t Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Mr Wilson ain\u2019t got none left and he says that it\u2019ll be next week before he gets more from Carson City.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sighed. \u2018I sure wish I had me some gumdrops,\u2019 he said mournfully. \u2018It might help me forget the pain.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well I reckon I could go to Carson City to get some,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Only \u2026 it\u2019d take all day and tomorrow\u2019s my day off.\u00a0 I was gonna \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n That\u2019d be great Hoss, thanks!\u2019 said Joe happily. \u2018I\u2019ve got a full house!\u2019 He plonked his cards down on the bed and eagerly scooped up the pile of matchsticks that lay in between them. \u2018That\u2019s one more game for me!\u2019\u00a0 He picked up the cards and began to shuffle them as Adam came into the room again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Read that one?\u2019 asked Adam, flinging a book down onto the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glanced at it. \u2018Nope,\u2019 he said. \u2018Not interested in it neither.\u2019\u00a0 Adam gave him a dark look. \u2018I\u2019ve been thinking though,\u2019 continued Joe. \u2018It\u2019d be nice to have some music up here \u2026 kinda to take my mind off the pain and all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Look Joe,\u2019 said Adam wearily. \u2018I\u2019ve been up here all morning with you.\u00a0 I was actually going to take a bit of time to myself while you and Hoss played cards to be honest.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh,\u2019 Joe looked crestfallen. \u2018That\u2019s OK Adam. You go and have some time to yourself then.\u00a0 I reckon I can bear the pain for a while.\u00a0 Do you know where Pa left those painkillers? I might need em.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gritted his teeth. \u2018There\u2019s no need for painkillers,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll get my guitar.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Are you sure?\u2019 asked Joe with a sweet smile. \u2018I wouldn\u2019t want to put you out or anything.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No trouble,\u2019 said Adam, forcing a smile onto his face. \u2018I\u2019ll be back in a minute.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Another game Hoss?\u2019 asked Joe, continuing to shuffle the cards.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I was thinking we might play checkers for a bit Joe,\u2019 said Hoss hopefully. \u2018I\u2019m kinda getting sick of cards all the time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018Well if that\u2019s what you want \u2026 only when we move the pieces you kinda make the bed shake and my back hurts more when it does ya know.\u00a0 I reckon I can put up with it though.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s OK Joe,\u2019 said Hoss with a sigh. \u2018Cards is OK.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe smiled at him. \u2018Your deal,\u2019 he said, handing the cards over as Adam came into the room with his guitar. \u2018I reckon I\u2019d like to hear something fast Adam,\u2019 he continued. \u2018And can you sing too?\u00a0 The words might take my mind off the pain.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Certainly,\u2019 said Adam, his jaw clenched as he sat down. \u2018Whatever you want Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe lay back happily on his pillow as Hoss began to deal out the cards.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Where are your brothers?\u2019 asked Ben as he came into the room and saw Joe munching on a bag of gumdrops.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Probably outside doing my chores,\u2019 said Joe casually. \u2018They\u2019ve got extra to do with me up here in bed.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know,\u2019 said Ben, lifting an eyebrow and studying his youngest son quietly. \u2018You seem very comfortable.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yep,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I\u2019m fine thanks Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So glad to hear it,\u2019 said Ben sarcastically.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe continued to smile at his father happily. \u2018I sure hope they\u2019re keeping Cochise brushed extra well for me,\u2019 said Joe as Ben sat down next to the bed. \u2018They promised that they\u2019d do it twice a day.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Twice a day?\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Joseph, the horse isn\u2019t even going out anywhere.\u00a0 He doesn\u2019t need to be brushed twice a day.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well he mightn\u2019t be getting too dirty, but he\u2019ll be missing me,\u2019 said Joe with a pout.\u00a0 \u2018I reckon that brushing him twice a day will help him not miss me so much.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I see,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Anyway \u2026 Hoss and Adam like doing things for me,\u2019 continued Joe happily. \u2018They feel guilty bout me getting hurt and all.\u00a0 You heard em Pa \u2026 they said they was happy to do anything for me. I reckon I\u2019m doing em a favour by thinking of lots of things that they can help me with.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019re certainly giving them lots to do,\u2019 said Ben dryly. \u2018I\u2019m sure they appreciate it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah,\u2019 said Joe, putting his hands behind his head and leaning back. \u2018I reckon they do.\u2019\u00a0 He sat up again. \u2018You want a gumdrop Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No thank you,\u2019 replied Ben. He looked at the dresser and saw a pair of black leather gloves there. \u2018Where did these come from?\u2019 he asked as he picked them up to examine them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam bought em for me,\u2019 said Joe casually. \u2018I was telling him how my hands get cold at night when I can\u2019t sleep cause of the pain.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He bought you leather ones?\u2019 said Ben. \u2018They look expensive.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I guess so,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018He offered to get me some woollen mittens, but I told him that the wool would make my skin itch.\u00a0 Leather\u2019s better,\u2019 he said. \u2018They\u2019re nice, ain\u2019t they?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018They are,\u2019 said Ben, putting them down. \u2018Well I must say Joseph that you\u2019re looking decidedly better for all this pampering. I hope you don\u2019t get too used to it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Aw gee,\u2019 said Joe, giving his father one of his best puppy dog looks. \u2018I reckon I\u2019d rather be downstairs if I could Pa.\u00a0 I sure wish this back of mine would get better soon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben patted the youngster on the arm. \u2018Don\u2019t we all,\u2019 he said fervently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe opened his eyes and yawned a lazy yawn and he looked around his room. Everything was quiet and he wondered where his brothers were.\u00a0 Probably downstairs enjoying themselves while he was stuck up here in bed not able to move.\u00a0 He frowned at the unfairness of it all and then picked up the small bell on the dresser and rang it. There was no response, so he rang it again. \u2018Selfish things!\u2019 he muttered aloud. \u2018Off somewhere having fun while I\u2019m stuck up here!\u2019 He reached over tentatively to the dresser and picked up his glass of water that Hoss had placed there before leaving the room and drank it. With a frown he tried to reach for the jug, but only managed to touch it with his fingertips.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe reached further and managed to grasp the jug with two hands and pull it towards him. Unfortunately he lost control of it and it crashed to the floor, spilling its contents and rolling across the room. Joe blinked a couple of times as he looked at the water spreading across the floor. He picked up the bell and rang it furiously and then when no one came began to shout. \u2018Hey!\u00a0 Can anyone hear me?\u00a0 Hey! The jug fell!\u2019\u00a0 He tentatively drew back the covers and wriggled so that his feet were dangling over the edge of the bed. He cautiously put them to the floor and propped himself up on the dresser, standing upright for the first time in days.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned as he tested himself first on one leg and then the other, realising that there was no pain in his back as he put the whole weight of his body on his legs. \u2018Yes!\u2019 he said out loud and walked over to pick up the jug.\u00a0 He replaced it on the dresser and then walked slowly over to the window and looked out.\u00a0 Down below in the front yard he saw Hoss and Adam going about their chores and he grinned. \u2018Serves em right,\u2019 he muttered. \u2018Having to do my chores as well as their own.\u2019\u00a0 With a satisfied smile he let the curtain drop back into place and walked slowly back to his bed again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly he heard footsteps on the stairs and he swung his legs back into bed again and drew up the covers.\u00a0 He smiled at Hop Sing as he came into the room. \u2018Lunch,\u2019 said Hop Sing simply and pulled out the strange looking table that Hoss had made.\u00a0 Without another word he dumped Joe\u2019s plate on it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at the plate with surprise. \u2018How come you\u2019ve made fried chicken in the middle of the day?\u2019 he asked. \u2018We don\u2019t normally get it for lunch.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You sick \u2026 I cook,\u2019 said Hop Sing simply. \u2018Make meat on boy\u2019s bones.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s my favourite,\u2019 said Joe happily, grinning at the man before taking a bite.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know,\u2019 said Hop Sing and left the room before Joe could say another word.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly Hoss burst into the room. \u2018Look what I got for ya Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018More of them gumdrops.\u00a0 They got a new shipment in town yesterday. I reckon that\u2019ll take your mind off the pain huh?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe hesitated. \u2018Gee thanks Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018I reckon they will.\u2019\u00a0 He put his head down and began to eat his lunch while Hoss licked his lips at the sight of the fried chicken.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure wish we could have some of that there chicken for lunch,\u2019 he said wistfully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ain\u2019t you having it?\u2019 asked Joe, stuffing more into his mouth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head sadly. \u2018Nope,\u2019 he replied. \u2018Hop Sing only killed one chicken and there ain\u2019t enough fer more than jest you.\u2019\u00a0 He licked his lips again. \u2018We\u2019ve having cold beef,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sorry bout that,\u2019 said Joe, stuffing the last of a drumstick into his mouth. \u2018But I reckon \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss put up his hand to silence his brother. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019ll help ya forget the pain.\u00a0 I sure hope it does Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m sure it will,\u2019 said Joe through a mouthful. \u2018Hey Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Do ya reckon I could have liquorice instead of gumdrops?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss frowned. \u2018I thought you wanted gumdrops?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well I did, but I\u2019m kinda sick of em now,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Liquorice is what I feel like now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss licked up the paper bag. \u2018I reckon I could eat these and get you some liquorice in town tomorrow,\u2019 he said and then noticed Joe\u2019s expression. \u2018Well OK \u2026 I reckon I could go in again after lunch and get it today,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned at him. \u2018Thanks Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018And don\u2019t you worry bout eating them gumdrops either.\u00a0 I\u2019ll have em now and then eat the liquorice when you bring it back.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam?\u00a0 Are you all right son?\u2019 asked Ben anxiously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam opened his eyes. \u2018Huh?\u00a0 I\u2019m fine Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just resting my eyes, that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Son I\u2019m getting worried about you.\u00a0 You\u2019re not looking too good,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m just tired that\u2019s all Pa,\u2019 sad Adam. \u2018I seem to be up and down those stairs a lot lately.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben raised an eyebrow. \u2018Attending to Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t you think that you and Hoss have done enough for him now? You\u2019ve been at his beck and call for days.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You said it yourself,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018If it wasn\u2019t for us, then he wouldn\u2019t be lying up there in pain.\u00a0 Besides, I\u2019m sure it won\u2019t last too much longer. At least I hope not,\u2019 he added.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Even so,\u2019 said his father. \u2018I think enough is enough.\u2019 He looked towards the staircase as they both heard the sound of a bell. \u2018There he goes again,\u2019 he said. \u2018Let me see to him this time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No Pa.\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I\u2019ll go.\u2019\u00a0 He got up wearily and walked slowly up the stairs, dragging his feet. \u2018What?\u2019 he said testily as he entered Joe\u2019s room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked up at his older brother and smiled. \u2018Sorry to disturb you Adam,\u2019 he said sweetly. \u2018Only I was wondering if you could hand me that book.\u2019\u00a0 He indicated a book on his dresser. \u2018I can\u2019t quite reach it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam picked up the book and dumped it on Joe\u2019s bed without a word, then turned to leave again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh \u2026 and Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned. \u2018What?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave him the same sweet smile. \u2018I was wondering \u2026 Its difficult not being able to take a bath and all.\u00a0 Do you think you could let me have of that bay rum cologne of yours … you know … just to freshen myself up a bit?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018My bay rum?\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I paid a lot of money for that \u2026\u2019 He stopped as saw the puppy dog expression on his brother\u2019s face. \u2018All right,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just a bit though \u2026 I\u2019ll get it.\u2019\u00a0 He walked out of the room while Joe clapped his hands gleefully and chuckled softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Within a minute, Adam came back into the room.\u00a0 He handed Joe the tall blue bottle and watched as his brother emptied some of the cologne out into the palm of his hand and wiped it across his face and chest. \u2018Mmm,\u2019 said Joe as he sniffed the air. \u2018Sure smells mighty good, don\u2019t it?\u00a0 I reckon that\u2019s freshened me up considerable.\u2019\u00a0 He emptied some more onto his palm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hey that\u2019s enough,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018There\u2019ll be none left.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave him a sad look. \u2018I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 he said. \u2018Only it smells so good and all.\u2019 He looked longingly at the bottle and then held it out to his brother. \u2018Here \u2026 you take it\u2026 I don\u2019t mind being smelly.\u2019 He gave a huge sigh. \u2018I just wish I could have a bath \u2026 still you can\u2019t have everything.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hesitated. \u2018Keep it,\u2019 he said finally. \u2018You might want to use a bit more later.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his brother a sweet smile. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m mighty grateful that I\u2019ve got such a thoughtful brother such as yourself Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Will there be anything else?\u2019 asked Adam through gritted teeth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Only \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Could you plump up my pillows for me please?\u00a0 It\u2019s hard for me to reach them what with the pain and all.\u2019 Adam began to plump up his brother\u2019s pillows for him, hitting them hard with his fist. \u2018Ow!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Gently!\u00a0 You might hurt my back even more!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked for a moment as if that mightn\u2019t be such a bad idea, but straightened the pillows and patted them down again. \u2018There,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now if there\u2019s anything else\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t worry \u2026\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I\u2019ll use the bell if there is.\u00a0 I\u2019ll try not to though.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to disturb you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thanks!\u2019\u00a0 Adam gave his brother a hard look and left the room.\u00a0 Before he\u2019d reached the top of the staircase, however, he heard the sound of the small bell again.\u00a0 Adam gripped the top of the railing and began to count under his breath before turning back towards Joe\u2019s bedroom yet again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s face peeked slowly around the top of the staircase and looked around furtively before the rest of his body followed.\u00a0 He grinned as he surveyed the empty room below him and took a tentative step down onto the top stair. Pa had said that they\u2019d all be out this morning, but he was being cautious just the same.\u00a0 There would be nothing worse than someone coming in and finding him up and walking again \u2026. Joe could just imagine how angry his brothers would be if they discovered that he\u2019d been having them on these past two days. Things were so pleasant being waited on hand and foot and he was enjoying their increasing frustration with having to do it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Serve em right!\u2019 he muttered as he sprang down the steps. \u2018I\u2019ll teach them!\u2019\u00a0 He looked around the room and walked over to get an apple from the bowl in the middle of the coffee table. Munching it as he went, he began to explore the great room, walking first to his father\u2019s study and checking out his desk and then over to the dining room and seeing what his family had been eating for breakfast. Lucky that Hop Sing had also gone to town, or he wouldn\u2019t have even been able to do this much, he thought.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Much and all as he was enjoying being in bed and waited on every day, he had to admit to himself that was getting a bit boring and mornings like this when there was no one to hear the bell when he rang it were becoming quite boring.\u00a0 He was enjoying the sheer pleasure of being able to walk around and see a different view … even if it was just the downstairs room.\u00a0 He flexed his muscles with pleasure. So nice to be able to stretch and move around, even if it was only for a short time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe wandered aimlessly around the room, picking up one of Adam\u2019s discarded books on the coffee table and stopping to read a couple of pages.\u00a0 As he stood there with his head bent, he was unaware of a slight movement behind him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stood in the passageway that led from the dining room to the kitchen, his body pressed against the wall and his eyes narrowed as he watched his younger brother.\u00a0 His jaw clenched as Joe put down the book, picked up another apple and bounded up the stairs two at a time happily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That little weasel!\u2019 sad Hoss angrily. \u2018I\u2019m gonna pound his head into that bed-head! I\u2019m gonna suffocate him with his own pillows!\u00a0 Wait until I get my hands on him!\u2019\u00a0 He clenched his fists angrily as he began to breathe heavily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hold on there brother,\u2019 said Adam easily. \u2018We\u2019ve got to think this through first.\u00a0 Don\u2019t go off half cocked.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How long do ya reckon he\u2019s been acting sick Adam?\u2019 asked Hoss angrily. \u2018How long huh?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m not sure,\u2019 said Adam, stroking his chin. \u2018Long enough for him to think that he\u2019s making fools of us anyway.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well he ain\u2019t making a fool of me no longer!\u2019 declared Hoss. \u2018I\u2019m gonna wring his scrawny neck!\u00a0 Wait until I \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hoss be quiet,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Let\u2019s think about this, shall we? Our revenge has to be carefully planned.\u2019\u00a0 He put his arm around his brother\u2019s broad shoulder. \u2018Don\u2019t you worry,\u2019 he said. \u2018That brother of ours will pay big time! He\u2019s going to be sorry he messed with Adam and Hoss Cartwright!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well you\u2019re looking better,\u2019 said Adam jovially as he came into the room with a cloth-covered tray. \u2018Isn\u2019t that wonderful Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure is,\u2019 said Hoss with a huge grin at Joe. \u2018Good ta see some colour back in them cheeks of yourn Joe.\u2019\u00a0 He set down the bowl of steaming water that he was carrying and sat down heavily on the edge of the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Stop shaking the bed,\u2019 said Joe with a pout. \u2018You\u2019ll hurt my back even more.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked instantly concerned. \u2018Oh sorry Joe,\u2019 he said sweetly. \u2018I wouldn\u2019t want to do that.\u2019\u00a0 He reached out and ruffled his brother\u2019s hair affectionately. \u2018We gotta take care of you since you\u2019re so sick\u2026 don\u2019t we Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Certainly,\u2019 said Adam, sitting on the other side of the bed and smiling sweetly at Joe. \u2018We\u2019re here to take good care of you this morning little buddy. Hoss and I have some real treats in store for you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes lit up. \u2018You have?\u2019 he said happily and straightened up in the bed. \u2018I reckon I could do with some cheering up this morning.\u00a0 What have you got for me?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh some real fine things,\u2019 said Adam, flinging the cloth off the tray on the dresser. \u2018But first we have to make sure that you are comfortable.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh I\u2019m mighty comfortable,\u2019 said Joe, smiling at him. \u2018I\u2019m fine as long as I don\u2019t move and hurt my back.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam reached down and pulled out the chamber pot from under the bed. \u2018I think you need to use this,\u2019 he said waving it under Joe\u2019s nose. \u2018I\u2019m worried that you might do yourself a damage without having any exercise up here in bed all day.\u2019\u00a0 He looked across the bed at Hoss. \u2018You know Hoss, I\u2019ve heard that bed rest can play havoc with a person\u2019s bowels if they\u2019re not careful.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed as he looked at the pot. \u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 he assured his brother. \u2018Pa helps me when I need to go.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa\u2019s not here,\u2019 said Adam firmly. \u2018He\u2019s gone into town this morning, and I\u2019d hate to have your system seize up on you just because you had to hold on.\u2019\u00a0 He patted Joe affectionately on the head. \u2018Now you just relax while Hoss and I take care of everything for you.\u2019 Joe tried to struggle feebly. \u2018Don\u2019t move,\u2019 said Adam, holding onto his brother\u2019s shoulders. \u2018I\u2019d hate you to damage that back of yours even more. Hoss, you hold onto him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss held onto Joe\u2019s shoulders while Adam pulled down the bedclothes and pulled up Joe\u2019s nightshirt so that his younger brother was exposed in front of him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Stop it!\u2019 yelled Joe as he turned red with embarrassment. \u2018Let me go!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Just relax,\u2019 said Adam soothingly as he slid the pot under Joe\u2019s buttocks. \u2018Now you just do what you have to and Hoss and I will take no notice of you while you do.\u2019 He stared into his younger brother\u2019s appalled eyes. \u2018Hurry up now.\u00a0 You wouldn\u2019t want me to have to use a piece of rubber tubing to flush you out, would you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes widened as he stared back up at his brother. \u2018What?\u2019 he gasped.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam patted Joe on the head again affectionately. \u2018For your own good,\u2019 he said soothingly. \u2018That\u2019s all.\u2019\u00a0 He waited while Joe screwed up his face, closed his eyes and did what he had to under the circumstances. \u2018Very good,\u2019 Adam said when he\u2019d finished. \u2018That\u2019s the way.\u00a0 Now let\u2019s get you wiped up then, shall we?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe kept his eyes closed with the sheer embarrassment of it all, even until Hoss had let go of his shoulders and Adam had lowered his nightshirt. \u2018Now that should make you feel better,\u2019 said Adam as he covered the pot and replaced it under the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe opened his eyes and glared at his brother. \u2018I\u2019m gonna tell Pa what you just did,\u2019 he said accusingly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s nice of you,\u2019 said Hoss with a grin. \u2018But it was no trouble at all little brother.\u00a0 We was happy to help. We ready for the next bit now Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes narrowed suspiciously. \u2018What next bit?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Exercise,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018We don\u2019t want your muscles wasting away, do we?\u00a0 Hoss you take that leg and I\u2019ll take this one.\u2019\u00a0 Each of the brothers grabbed one of Joe\u2019s ankles and began to pull on it until he was splayed spread eagled across the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ow!\u2019 yelled Joe. \u2018You\u2019re hurting!\u00a0 You\u2019re gonna make my back worse!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You know what they say,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018A bit of pain is good.\u00a0 Go with it Joe and it won\u2019t hurt so much.\u2019\u00a0 He gave his little brother\u2019s ankle a particularly strong pull and Joe yelled again. \u2018That\u2019s it,\u2019 he said happily. \u2018We\u2019ll have you better in no time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After a few minutes of pulling they finally let go and looked down at Joe whimpering on the bed. \u2018Pa is gonna really hear about this,\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018You\u2019re doing it on purpose.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of course we are,\u2019 said Adam gently. \u2018Didn\u2019t I tell you we\u2019d do anything to help little buddy?\u2019\u00a0 Now let\u2019s get you all cleaned up and fresh, shall we?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018Cleaned up?\u2019 he said. \u2018What \u2026\u2019 He looked at the steaming bowl of water and the implements that were on the tray on the dresser. \u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 he said, trying to pull the covers up around him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No you\u2019re not,\u2019 said Adam, pulling them down again firmly. \u2018You said yourself that you\u2019ve gone all smelly. We\u2019re going to fix you right up and get you back to normal now.\u2019\u00a0 He pulled at his brother\u2019s nightshirt again, but Joe held onto the hem of it tightly. \u2018Hoss,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Grab hold of him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grabbed hold of Joe\u2019s arms while Adam pulled his nightshirt over his head. \u2018Now you just relax,\u2019 he said gently as he picked up a cloth and dunked it into the hot water. \u2018We\u2019ll have you clean in no time.\u2019 He wiped Joe\u2019s stomach with the hot water and Joe let out a yell.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s boiling!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018You\u2019re burning me!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nonsense,\u2019 said Adam, winking at Hoss. \u2018It\u2019s just hot. It has to be to get you nice and clean.\u00a0 Who\u2019s a dirty little boy then?\u2019 he said playfully as he wiped the cloth lower and Joe went red with embarrassment. \u2018You know Hoss, I haven\u2019t done this since I used to change our little brother\u2019s diapers when he was a baby.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah,\u2019 said Hoss with a grin. \u2018I remember that too.\u2019\u00a0 He looked down at his brother\u2019s body, causing Joe to go even redder. \u2018He\u2019s grown up a mite,\u2019 he added.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Let me go!\u2019 shouted Joe. \u2018Stop looking at me!\u00a0 Ow!\u00a0 That hurts!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We can\u2019t have you getting bed sores, can we?\u2019 said Adam, picking up a bottle of liniment and pouring some onto the cloth. \u2018Turn him over Hoss and we\u2019ll do his butt with this.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss turned his little brother over and Joe kicked out at him fiercely. \u2018Let me go!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018Pa! Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We done told ya Joe,\u2019 said Hoss easily. \u2018Pa ain\u2019t here.\u00a0 He\u2019s gone ta town.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa!\u2019 shouted Joe, kicking out in all directions as the hot stinging liquid scalded his bare backside.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss began to laugh and let go of his younger brother\u2019s arms. \u2018Well I do declare,\u2019 he said. \u2018It looks like you\u2019ve got some movement back Joe.\u00a0 I\u2019m right glad to see it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe leapt up from the bed and faced his brothers angrily, one hand covering his sore backside and the other hiding his most treasured possession in front. \u2018You \u2026 you \u2026\u2019 he spluttered. \u2018I\u2019m gonna \u2026\u2019 He looked at Adam and Hoss who were by now rolling around on the bed laughing. Joe\u2019s face went even redder and he began to rub his backside, which was itching more by the minute. \u2018What did you put on me?\u2019 he yelled. \u2018It hurts like the devil!\u2019\u00a0 He began to hop from one foot to the other with the pain.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked over at him and wiped the tears from his eyes as he laughed. \u2018Look Hoss!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018It\u2019s a miracle cure!\u00a0 Oh we are blessed to witness such a miraculous event! A miracle! Heaven be praised!\u2019\u00a0 He collapsed on the bed again in fits of laughter while Joe continued to hop from one foot onto the other.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly Joe let out a howl and ran from the room, clutching onto his buttocks with two hands as he writhed in agony. \u2018Water!\u2019 he cried. \u2018I need to put cold water on it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019re right Adam!\u2019 said Hoss, the tears running down his cheeks and he laughed. \u2018It\u2019s a darned miracle!\u00a0 Wait until Pa finds out!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a\u263a<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben opened the front door and his eyes widened in astonishment as he saw his stark naked youngest son running down the stairs three at a time. \u2018Joseph!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018What are you doing out of bed?\u00a0 And what are you \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He didn\u2019t have time to say anything else as Joe rushed past him on his way to the kitchen, both hands holding onto his inflamed backside as he ran.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben blinked several times as he stood there, listening to Hop Sing\u2019s voice from the kitchen. \u2018Get out of sink!\u2019 yelled the cook. \u2018You sitting on dinner vegetables in water!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben blinked again and took a step outside onto the front porch, closing the door quietly behind him. There were some things that it was best not to know about in this family, he decided.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\nThe End<\/span><\/h1>\n