Summary:<\/b> \u00a0 Next chapter in my saga. Near disaster for the brothers as they survey the west side of the Lake.
\nRating:\u00a0 PG13\u00a0 \u00a0(32,570 words)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The Cartwright Saga Series:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The Lawyer <\/a><\/span> \n A Tree Falls<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss had been a little quiet when Meg left but soon cheered up and he was on his way north with a rather larger than usual herd. Little Joe was stockpiling timber for the California and the Consolidated Virginia to take them through the winter. All their other contracts were completed, very early this year, with the new flumes already proving their worth and good weather for once. Ben was well satisfied with their year\u2019s work and with the stock Adam had been selling the cash on hand was building very rapidly. Ben was dubious about keeping so much cash in one Bank and decided to talk it over with Adam during the winter, He was unsure just how much money Adam would need, if he bought the land he wanted for logging on the east shore of Lake Tahoe. Ben was delighted that his sons wanted to re-invest in the ranch. He knew that the Ponderosa meant as much to them as it did to him, but that didn\u2019t stop fresh proof of it always thrilling him.<\/p>\n On board the steamer back to Sacramento, Adam took advantage of the elegant dining room but Carole wasn\u2019t hungry and, insisting that she was just tired after the excitement of the wedding, she just wanted a good sleep before the stage ride home. Adam was slightly surprised but it had been a hectic few days and Carole soon persuaded him nothing was wrong. Once he had tucked her in, Adam went for a meal and then went to try his hand at the poker game always to be found on the steamer. These men were a different proposition from the men he\u2019d played in London and Adam needed all his skill to stay even. He thoroughly enjoyed the contest and was well satisfied after three hours play, to rise from the table precisely $80 richer.<\/p>\n Carole was feeling slightly sick and a little worried. Although she felt perfectly fit, she had had every intention of waiting six months before risking another pregnancy as the Doc had suggested. Now although only five months had passed, she was almost sure that she was about six weeks pregnant. She had no intention of telling Adam yet and wanted to talk to Doc Martin. Adam was going to be very anxious after the last near disaster and she wanted at least to have Doc\u2019s confirmation all was well before telling him. They both had a great deal of faith in Paul. Carole knew that her husband was planning a survey trip on the far side of Lake Tahoe and, if possible, she would wait until he returned from the survey and was settled at home for a few weeks so that he could get used to the idea. She was scared that he would guess if she was sick and she firmly pushed away all thought of nausea, overcoming it with sheer will power.<\/p>\n It was nearly a week after they got back from San Francisco before she was able to get into town without arousing suspicion. Adam had gone up to the lumber camp to help Joe finish up and Ben was going into town to meet Hoss, who was due back after the drive. Hoss had had a very trying drive with unusually high losses and had finished with barely enough to fulfil the contract. Nothing in particular had caused all the losses, no stampede, but day after day there had been problems, wolves and high rivers. Hoss blamed himself for the trouble; it had been a very tiring drive and even when he\u2019d paid off the men he found it impossible to relax. He was meeting his father to go and pay in the bank draft and, although he knew his father wouldn\u2019t blame him, he was on edge blaming himself. Ben had gone by Carole\u2019s the previous evening to see if she fancied going into town with him and she had been flatteringly pleased to go.<\/p>\n Once they reached town Ben and Carole separated, arranging to meet at the hotel for lunch. Ben went down to the bank but Hoss hadn\u2019t arrived yet so he completed some routine business and before he had finished Hoss came in. Ben called him over, startled by how tired and drawn Hoss looked.<\/p>\n Hoss handed over the bank draft \u201cHere you are Pa. Its good to be home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll talk later Hoss. I\u2019ll do this, why don\u2019t you go and get a beer, you look tired.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood idea. I\u2019ll be over at the Palace.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded and then turned back to the clerk who was waiting patiently. It took him another twenty minutes to finish up and then he went to find Hoss. Hoss wasn\u2019t feeling sociable and after a brief word with a couple of friends and Dan, he had firmly taken his beer and gone to sit down at a corner table on his own. The expression on his face enough to stop anyone bothering him. Ben got himself a drink and then joined his big son \u201cRough trip?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss rubbed his eyes \u201cVery, I began to think I would have to buy cattle to make the contact. We just scraped through without, but considering the extra I took it shouldn\u2019t have been so close, I\u2019m sorry Pa, just one thing after another. I\u2019ve never lost so many.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBigger drive than usual.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven in proportion I must have lost three time what I usually do.\u201d Hoss sighed heavily, staring into his beer, unable to meet his father\u2019s gaze.<\/p>\n Ben gripped his big son\u2019s arm \u201cTake it easy Hoss. Sometime the luck runs against you. You did your best and I know that is better than anyone else could do. The luck has been with us every other way this year; we were due a bit of bad. Anyway it really doesn\u2019t matter, you got there safely, with all the men uninjured and you made the contract, that\u2019s all that matters.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked up, \u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa I guess I\u2019m just tired. Feel as though I let you down.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled at him \u201cYou never have Hoss. Finish your beer, we have to meet Carole in five minutes for lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole had had a busy morning. She was in luck, Doc was at home and he listened quietly as she explained the unplanned pregnancy. Doc examined her carefully and then got coffee \u201cWell young lady, its sooner than I would have recommended but you recovered very well. I don\u2019t see any real cause for alarm, everything seems perfectly normal. Just be sensible, try and get as much rest as you can, especially in the next couple of months. If there was going to be any effect from your miscarriage, I\u2019d expect it in the first three months, but I think you\u2019ll do fine. Makes it due about the first of May.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole hesitated, \u201cThere\u2019s one more thing Doc. You know Adam.\u201d she bit her lip.<\/p>\n Paul grinned, \u201cNot much I can do to help. He\u2019s going to fuss and fret but he\u2019s mighty stubborn. When things go wrong he\u2019s a tower of strength but he does tend to be a worrier and you mean an awful lot to him. After that close call..\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s just it Doc I don\u2019t want to tell him yet. I\u2019ll never get him to leave my side once I do and he still has a ranch to run. He\u2019s been planning a trip into the high country all summer. I\u2019ll tell him when he gets back.\u201d<\/p>\n Doc frowned, knowing what it would do to his old friend if things went wrong in his absence, on the other hand he could see Carole\u2019s point and it was her right to tell her husband. \u201cAlright Carole, not a word, but I think you ought to tell Ben, if Adam\u2019s away for long, just so he can keep an eye on you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will but I\u2019m sure this one is going to be alright. I feel so well, like I did with the twins. Last time I had all sorts of odd aches and pains.”<\/p>\n \u201cI think so too or I would tell Adam.\u201d Doc smiled at her \u201cJust try and take it easy and come and see me in a month.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI promise Doc.\u201d Carole went out to get her shopping happier now that she had seen Doc and surprised just how confident she felt suddenly, this was going to be fine. She tried to calm down, scared that Ben and Hoss would notice, but she didn\u2019t need to worry. As soon as she saw her big brother-in-law she forgot all about the baby, anxious for him, as he looked so tired and drawn.<\/p>\n Hoss was slowly relaxing now he had his father\u2019s support, although he had known it would be forthcoming, and as he relaxed he calmed down but tiredness caught up with him. He was almost dozing over his coffee and Ben left them to ensure everything was loaded. When Ben came back Hoss roused \u201cI think I\u2019ll ride on home, no need for you two to rush back.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole got to her feet \u201cI\u2019ve finished all my shopping and I need to get back to the twins. Let\u2019s go together.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss smiled down at her and went out to the buckboard with his arm round her shoulders. That evening he filled his father in on all that had happened and then had an early night, looking much more himself the next morning.<\/p>\n On Friday Joe and Adam rode in, the lumber camp was dismantled and all the necessary timber cut to carry them generously until the spring. The mill was still working but otherwise things were ready for the winter well ahead of schedule. The weather was still holding and with luck would continue to do so for another month. Adam spared an hour to run over everything with his father and then headed home to Carole and his sons. It had been a very satisfactory summer, with everything running smoothly and no real trouble. He arranged for his father and brothers to come over for Sunday lunch and then rode home. Carole was pleased to see him but the twins were engrossed in some game of their own and barely acknowledged his existence. Adam forgot about work and just enjoyed himself with his family until the following afternoon. Carole had some washing to do and Adam locked himself in his study and began to put down on paper exactly what he was proposing to buy and how to cash in on the land. He had spent a lot of time reading and rereading the information he had collected in San Francisco and, with Joe\u2019s help in the evenings, made a few tentative experiments up at Lake Tahoe. He\u2019d need a lot more facts and figures but it gave him some idea and enabled him to plan how to get those further facts. Aware of how much cash was available, Adam was planning on a grandiose scale, enough lumber to cover the next ten years and, on a controlled scale thereafter, a crop to be taken every year. He didn\u2019t want to feel the need to expand further in a year\u2019s time only to find other people encroaching, following their example. He wasn\u2019t sure how the rest of his family would feel. They had agreed in principle but he wasn\u2019t sure what scale they were thinking about.<\/p>\n Adam was quiet over dinner, not at all sure how Carole would feel about him disappearing off yet again. He had spent hardly any time at home, mainly just odd days since she had been well enough to leave and even in San Francisco he had been busy much of the time. She no longer even had Meg for company. On the other hand it was the ideal time to go and survey while the weather held and he was eager to see the ground for himself. It wasn\u2019t an area he knew well. He would need help and wasn\u2019t sure how his brothers would feel, they\u2019d had an equally busy summer.<\/p>\n Carole left him until the twins were in bed and then over coffee, she asked, \u201cWho is going up to Lake Tahoe to help you do the survey?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stared at her a for a moment and then pulled her close, \u201cI\u2019ve been away a lot this summer.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole shrugged \u201cIt\u2019s a working ranch I always knew that. Anyway you might have been here in body but your mind has been up in the high country since lunchtime.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam kissed her soundly \u201cYou know me too well! I love you. I would like to go if you\u2019ll be alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be just fine, but you can\u2019t do it alone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI want to talk it over tomorrow anyway. Then I\u2019ll see if Joe or Hoss wants to come. I could manage alone at a pinch, perhaps take Jess to help out.\u201d<\/p>\n The next day after lunch, while the twins had a nap, Adam outlined exactly what he would like to do and steps needed to start. As a the twins woke up Ben suggested that they all think about it for a couple of hours and then, when sanity returned as the twins went to bed, they could discuss it during the evening. Adam was uneasy, but Ben grinned at him as he went over to the window. \u201cCheer up its only a case of settling details, I told you, you\u2019ve earned the right to try and I know your brothers agree.\u201d<\/p>\n At that Adam relaxed and enjoyed a quiet afternoon with all his family, watching his young sons bully their uncles unmercifully into acting as horses or playing games with them. Later in the evening they all settled in the study and Ben got out the notes that Adam had given him and started the discussion rolling. In fact there was little to discuss in principle. They all knew just how much money was sitting unused and this was the best plan they had for reinvesting in the ranch, as they always liked. Adam was surprised and delighted at their enthusiasm and although he tried to point out all the possible problems he didn\u2019t have his heart in it. Ben laughed at his eldest son, \u201cYou aren\u2019t over persuading us, we can all see the advantages in this. We\u2019ll face problems as we reach them. Nobody expects to set up a big, new operation like this without problems.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe added, \u201cFar as I can see we don\u2019t have a choice. Someone is going to harvest that timber and it could ruin the view up by the Lake. I for one would hate the far shore to be as bare as the hills near town.\u201d<\/p>\n Nobody could argue with that sentiment and there was little point in discussing things further until they had been out to see on the ground. Ben said, \u201cWhen are you going out to survey Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTomorrow I think.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow long will it take?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI really don\u2019t know. I don\u2019t know the area at all well, never really had reason to go over there. How about you?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head like his eldest brother he had been hunting up there once or twice. Once for a large cougar but he didn\u2019t know it well. Adam looked over at Hoss who shrugged \u201cI\u2019ve been up a few times but I wouldn\u2019t say I know it well. \u201c He grinned at Joe \u201cI guess between us Joe we can make sure big brother don\u2019t get lost.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded, he had discussed the survey with Hoss on the way over that morning and, knowing what Adam wanted to do, they had made their own minds up,\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked from Hoss to Joe frowning slightly, \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe grinned broadly, \u201cWell Hoss and I reckoned we could manage between us, get a bit of peace and quiet for a couple of weeks, but then I told Hoss about all those forms and the figures we\u2019d need. So we thought we might as well take you along to do the paperwork.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled faintly, \u201cIt won\u2019t exactly be a holiday Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss got to his feet \u201cDon\u2019t be daft Adam, we know that, but it\u2019s a joint project. Your idea but all of us are gonna make it work. Don\u2019t you see Joe and I are as excited about it as you are, we want to see too, help plan it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was so taken aback and pleased that for a moment he couldn\u2019t answer, eventually he looked over questioningly at his father \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNearly everything else is finished for the season. I can manage without too much trouble. It will be hard work, split three ways maybe not too bad.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned, \u201cOkay I\u2019ll take them. They may not be the world\u2019s greatest workers, but at least they\u2019re cheap!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe threw a cushion accurately at him and they settled to arrange what supplies they would need and who would bring what. They were aiming at an early start and Adam passed onto Hoss the problem of getting their little brother out of bed. Ben promised to have them over on time and, as they left, he had a quiet word with his eldest son promising to keep an eye on Carole and the twins.<\/p>\n It was a long ride round to the far side of the Lake and despite their early start Adam was forced to call a halt and make temporary camp several miles short of his main objective. The light had gone and none of them knew the way well enough to take risks. He took the chance to make some measurements at the lake and begin a rough map. Part of their problem was the absence of an accurate map of the area and to get title to the land they would have to provide one.<\/p>\n After supper the three brothers lazed by the fire, it was a beautiful night and so very peaceful. They relaxed clear of all the responsibilities, which had tied them all summer. Joe was back in the past, remembering trips when his older brothers had taken him along, often after he had been badgering them for weeks. Hoss was remembering the past too, like Joe it had been a treat when his big brother had let him come and at fifteen or sixteen he had thought himself so grown up riding out with Adam. He was annoyed on one occasion when Adam had let the twelve-year-old kid join them. He\u2019d let it show and his father has spoken to him, reminding him just how excited he had been a few years earlier when Adam took him along. Hoss could remember how guilty he\u2019d felt that day, but Adam hadn\u2019t left Hoss out as he had feared, and the trip had been great as Adam trusted him to show Joe things. Since that day Hoss had always liked it best when both his brothers were along. For a few years it was a fairly regular occurrence but as the ranch expanded and they took on more jobs they had to split up more often, Joe and Hoss fully grown didn\u2019t need overseeing, and it had become a rarity for the three brothers to get off together.<\/p>\n Adam got no answer when he offered more coffee and realised that both his brothers were lost in thought. He knew them very well, but whether it was circumstances or telepathy, he found himself remembering the eager kids looking up to their big brother, when he was younger than Joe was now. His brothers had come a long way since those days and turned into good friends, a very rich return for the time he had spent helping them. Sometimes cursing it as he wanted to get off alone, maybe get drunk, play with other men of his own age, but never quite able to say no, trying to live up to their evident hero-worship. He refilled their cups anyway and said \u201cDo you remember about ten years ago we camped near here on the way home and Little Joe got his first cougar?\u201d<\/p>\n His brothers looked up, each surprised to find Adam\u2019s thoughts like their own, way back in the past. Joe laughed as he realised that both his brothers were thinking of the past and for the next two hours they sat reminiscing, until finally Adam got out his blanket. \u201cIt\u2019s good to have you both along, we don\u2019t do it often enough.\u201d Over the next ten days the brothers worked hard, but enjoyed themselves. They argued over the best way to set up the lumber operation and at times got quite heated but none of them took it wrong. As they made themselves familiar with the land that they intended to add to their ranch, the work was a labour of love. Adam and Joe had been working reasonably closely together most of the summer, but neither of them had seen very much of Hoss. They had been away all winter too, so each in his own way filled in the gaps and rebuilt the closeness, which never really threatened, wasn\u2019t quite so evident when they hadn\u2019t seen each other for a time. Hoss was very conscious of how little he had seen them and was thoroughly enjoying his brothers\u2019 company.<\/p>\n Adam had deliberately started at the furthest limit and worked back towards the Lake. They moved camp after ten days and Joe went ahead to set up the camp while his brothers finished surveying for the main map. Now that they were all familiar with exactly what was required and had more of a feel for the ground, they were moving more quickly. Although not quite half the area had yet been covered, Adam was fairly confident another week should clear it. The weather had co-operated fully and although cold at night, it was a beautiful autumn, dry and sunny during the days. So far it was showing no sign of breaking and they were all three keeping their fingers crossed. As they headed towards the Lake and the new camp, Hoss wondered aloud where Joe would have set up camp.<\/p>\n Adam grinned broadly \u201cYou know as well as I do where he will be.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss shrugged \u201cWell maybe. There\u2019s that glade looking across the lake but there\u2019s no water.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe can carry that Hoss but it\u2019s a beautiful view down to the point.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not betting against it Adam. I know what that point means to Joe especially with Marie there as well as his mother. He\u2019s sentimental.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAren\u2019t we all?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not denying it Adam, I\u2019m as bad as either you or Joe. Its funny I used to think you were the one who loved the point best, now Joe goes there most.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve always loved it. I don\u2019t know anywhere that sums up the whole ranch more and now I\u2019ve buried my own daughter there, with all the others I loved.\u201d Adam was very sombre and Hoss reached over and gripped his brother\u2019s arm \u201cEasy Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou say that Joe is sentimental. I don\u2019t know, I\u2019ve been avoiding it since we buried my baby daughter, didn\u2019t want to be reminded. I guess I don\u2019t need to anymore, we\u2019ve had a good summer and I can put it behind me, I\u2019m so very lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad Adam. Come on let\u2019s go and join our little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded and the brothers trotted on. Little Joe had set up camp exactly where his brothers expected and was sitting staring across at the beautiful copse of trees on the promontory where his beloved wife lay with their other loved ones. He saw his brothers ride in and stood up a little defensively. Hoss couldn\u2019t resist teasing him \u201cWhat a spot for a camp. There\u2019s no water within a quarter of a mile!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s flat, protected from the wind and a marvellous view.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell Little Brother you remember to bring water back of a night, because you sure as hell can\u2019t make coffee with a view and I ain\u2019t going for a long walk, without even coffee!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMove it if you\u2019re that worried!\u201d Joe growled, his temper flaring up, knowing from the practical point of view it wasn\u2019t ideal, but hating to admit it.<\/p>\n Adam had moved to a good vantage point and was staring across the lake. Now he intervened, \u201cSimmer down Joe. You should know by now when he\u2019s just trying to get a rise out of you. I was assuming that you\u2019d camp here, I\u2019d have chosen the same. It\u2019s magnificent, don\u2019t often get to see it from this side, look at those pines.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe calmed down immediately realising that Hoss was only teasing. He went over to stand next to Adam \u201cIt is beautiful isn\u2019t it? Pa\u2019s always tended that grove and the trees almost seem to have responded, so tall and straight.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss came over quietly and stood slightly behind his brothers, one hand on each of their shoulders. \u201cPointing straight up to heaven. Somehow always seems the path to God would be a little easier from there.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam twisted slightly and smiled at his big brother \u201cAnd you said Joe and I were sentimental?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss could see the affection on his brother\u2019s face and didn\u2019t move \u201cI didn\u2019t say I wasn\u2019t. Guess one day our time will come. I\u2019ll be satisfied to rest there.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shivered slightly and Adam, looked quizzically at his little brother. Joe grinned \u201cDon\u2019t you remember Adam? You and I made a pact a long time ago, that when our time came it would be there, but when you first mentioned it, it was far too close for comfort.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded, while Adam still looked puzzled. Hoss explained \u201cWhen you got shot up on the north side by Cochise\u2019s men. You were only conscious for a few minutes but you asked Joe to see you were buried there. For a while we didn\u2019t think you\u2019d make it big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Slowly Adam remembered and stared sombrely at the point. \u201cLong time ago. Lot happened since. I survived but within weeks we buried Ross and Delphine.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss straightened up \u201cCome on cheer up you two or I will move the camp. I\u2019m gonna get some food started.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam linked arms with Joe \u201cA lot of memories.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled \u201cMany good ones and before we go we\u2019ll have many more.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMmm. Hoss is right, food time.\u201d<\/p>\n Over the next four days none of them tired of the view. They sat eating their evening meal each night watching the changing moods of the lake. Things were going even better than Adam had expected and, as they separated to start the day\u2019s work, he reckoned one more day after that would just about finish the job.<\/p>\n Joe was working about a mile from the camp; Hoss out further beyond him, while Adam rechecked some of the previous day\u2019s figures before joining them. Joe was putting in some survey posts, the ground was rough and uneven so it wasn\u2019t easy to run a straight line, but he\u2019d almost finished when there was an almighty crack.<\/p>\n Joe looked up puzzled, wondering what had happened. He just had time to see a majestic old pine falling far above him and tried to scramble to his feet. The tree seemed to move and fall so very slowly, but Joe had barely made it to his feet, when the tree crashed down and the whole ground seemed to give way under him as the shock of the giant tree falling caused a land slip. Joe was on a slope and he was carried down in a welter of rocks and branches. He was vaguely conscious of Cochise\u2019s terrified whinnying, as the horse tore its loosely tied reins from the tree he was tied to and fled. Cochise was better off than his master, although one rock hit hard against the horse\u2019s rear leg. Joe couldn\u2019t stop his fall and tried to protect his head. He didn\u2019t quite lose consciousness, but he couldn\u2019t sort out the muddled impressions until after, a seeming eternity, he came to a stop, half buried. He was only conscious of the pain in his side and stomach, hardly able to breathe and then he saw the heavy trunk of the tree coming down on top of him. In sheer terror Joe screamed once and then sank into merciful oblivion.<\/p>\n In the still quiet of the Lake sound carried a long way and both Adam and Hoss heard the tree fall. Hoss was close enough to hear his brother\u2019s scream and he went cold with fear before hurrying back to Chub to go and find out what had happened. Adam could faintly hear the land slip, but it was Cochise who alerted him to Joe\u2019s plight. Fear crazed the horse reached the camp almost before the avalanche had finished, trailing the broken reins and limping badly.<\/p>\n Adam was just saddling up his black and went over to Cochise, almost stopping breathing in fear for his brother. He forced himself to speak soothingly and Cochise, glad to hear a familiar voice, came to him. Adam gently felt the damaged leg but to his relief although already swelling there was no sign of a break. He tied the pinto on a long rope and unsaddled him but other attention would have to wait until he knew what had happened. Joe had to come first.<\/p>\n Adam was only a couple of minutes behind Hoss in reaching the land slip, Hoss had found the broken reins and knew Joe had been there. As Adam rode in, Hoss straightened up holding the reins. Adam said \u201cCochise came back to camp, badly bruised leg and half crazed.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss was very pale and it was a real effort to find his voice, but Adam had to know. \u201cI heard Joe scream a couple of minutes after the tree cracked.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam bit his lip but just said, \u201cLet\u2019s find him. Be very careful it\u2019s awfully loose.\u201d<\/p>\n Both men began working their way down, one either side of the main slip. Adam saw Hoss pick up Joe\u2019s hat but as his brother made no comment he moved on down towards the huge trunk of the pine. Fear like an ice-cold hand gripping his heart and Adam found it difficult to breathe. Then he saw a movement, he had to look twice but then he saw it again. Joe had come round and seeing his brother had tried to call to Adam. He couldn\u2019t seem to find his voice and he just waved rather ineffectually. His hand didn\u2019t seem to want to obey him anymore than his voice did.<\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t dare hurry, not wanting to bring more down on his brother, so he picked his way carefully over to Joe, calling to Hoss. Hoss wasn\u2019t far behind him and joined Adam in the shadow of the great trunk hovering just over Joe; some of the branches resting on the rubble which half covered their brother. Adam had already started to push some of the earth and smaller rubble off Joe\u2019s arms and chest and wiped his brother\u2019s face as best he could without any water. Hoss knelt down next to him \u201cHold on Little Joe we\u2019ll get you out.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam asked anxiously, \u201cWhere are you hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe in a state of shock didn\u2019t answer at first but as Adam asked again, with even greater concern obvious in his voice, Joe forced himself to get control. \u201cSide, pain in my stomach, not too bad Cochise?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCochise is fine. Try and relax Joe.\u201d Adam stared around at the precariously balanced tree and the mess of rocks and branches. \u201cLittle Joe Hoss and I have to go and get a couple of things. We need to stabilise that tree or it will come down on you, Just hold on, only be a couple of minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe weakly gripped Adam\u2019s hand, \u201cI\u2019m alright do what you have to.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam said, \u201cGet your horse Hoss.\u201d As the brothers scrambled up to the top again, taking wild risks once Joe wasn\u2019t in line. Hoss had seen just how unstable it all was and as he lifted his rope from the saddle he asked, \u201cCan we do it Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got to. I wish to hell we had two trained horses. If only Sport…\u201d Adam broke off there was no time for wishes \u201cYou\u2019re going to have to take that black of mine. We\u2019ll tie a rope to the trunk well clear of Joe. One either side, run them back up to the horses. You take the black and give Chub orders. Once the ropes take the strain I\u2019ll push some rocks in above Joe to shore it up and get under the branches and clear him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe lot could end on your head Adam.\u201d Hoss said the fear very evident in his voice but Adam just shrugged, \u201cNo choice Hoss and not much time. It could move of its own volition, so don\u2019t argue.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam started to slide back down the hill to Joe having tied the end of his rope to the black\u2019s saddle and ordered the stallion to stand. The brothers tried to take the ropes down evenly so that nothing would fray them, but there was no time to check.<\/p>\n Adam felt that it took forever to pass the rope under the trunk but at last it was done the line secure. Looking up he saw that Hoss had finished too and his big brother yelled over \u201cGood luck\u201d before scrambling back to the horses.<\/p>\n As soon as Hoss called ready Adam yelled orders up to his brother until both ropes were taut and then called to Hoss to hold it while he went back to Joe. Adam picked up three large rocks and called \u201cBack very slowly.\u201d At first as the two horses took the strain nothing happened then very slowly the trunk rolled back a little way up the hill, Adam rammed the rocks in as hard as he could to try and stabilise it and then called to Hoss to hold it there.<\/p>\n Joe watched almost uncomprehendingly, just knowing that his brothers were there and with great faith that they would look after him. He was only really aware of the pain but then he saw Adam slide under the great branches covering his legs. Adam rammed some more rocks under the branches to try and hold them clear of Joe and then frantically began pulling away the rubble and earth covering his brother\u2019s body. Joe was trapped from the chest downwards and it seemed to take Adam forever to free him, working under the branches with virtually no clearance or visibility, all too aware of the ominous cracks and groans of the old tree. He knew that now part of the rubble was gone, the slightest let up in the tension in the ropes would bring the whole tree crushing down on him and his brother. For Hoss, unable to see anything and just encouraging the horses to hold the ropes steady, it seemed even longer, too aware he could lose both his brothers in the next minute.<\/p>\n At last Adam could feel clear all the way and he had to try and pull Joe out. He knew it could hurt Joe badly and if he was seriously hurt it could kill him but Adam had no choice. With only himself and Hoss and only two horses, there was no way to shore up and cut the tree into pieces so that he could lift his little brother out carefully, even though he knew it would have been much safer. Adam gripped his brother\u2019s hand \u201cCan you hear me Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u201dYeah Adam\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got to pull you clear under here, the way I came in. It\u2019s going to hurt. I\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m ready.\u201d Joe felt Adam grip his arm and Adam\u2019s arm under his knees. Adam gritted his teeth and with a silent prayer that he wouldn\u2019t kill his brother moving him this way, he began to edge back out. He pulled Joe with him, trying to carry him as much as he could, but there was no room to manoeuvre. Joe tried to stop himself, but the excruciating pain in his stomach was so bad he couldn\u2019t, and he screamed in agony. For a second Adam stopped, but he still had no choice, and he edged on backwards trying to cut Joe\u2019s screams from his mind.<\/p>\n Hoss standing up by the black stallion keeping the tension on the rope and called continuous orders to his own Chub, lost all trace of colour as he heard Joe scream. He carried on with what he was doing knowing it was vital, but the screams were like a knife deep in his chest as he prayed for his brothers. Hoss knew just what the screams must be doing to his elder brother; Adam was causing the pain however unavoidably. The screams seem to last forever, but in fact in less than a minute Joe mercifully passed out. It took Adam another couple of minutes to edge his brother out as gently as he could and then as soon as he was clear, he picked up the younger man and carried him to the side to firm ground. Adam\u2019s right shoulder was on fire and he could barely manage his brother, but at last they were safe. He yelled to Hoss, \u201cOkay let it go.\u201d<\/p>\n With the ropes released, the tree crashed on down showing the damage it would have done, but Hoss had no attention for that as he scrambled down to his brothers.<\/p>\n Joe was unconscious and Adam felt over him rapidly trying to estimate the damage, not even aware of the tears streaming down his cheeks, as they had been since Joe first screamed. As far as he could tell there were no limbs broken, although he could feel broken ribs. No blood when Joe breathed, so probably his lungs were undamaged, but his whole abdomen was as stiff as a board. Whenever Adam touched it, Joe moaned, pain catching him from the depths of unconsciousness. Adam checked his brother\u2019s pulse, it was far too fast and thready and he could feel the desperate cold and clamminess, which he knew meant shock. Over the years Adam had learnt a lot from Doc and he knew that shock was the first thing to combat, that could all too easily kill whatever else was wrong. He would have given anything to have Joe safe in his own bed with Doc on call but instead they were in the middle of nowhere, dependent on their own resources.<\/p>\n Adam looked up as Hoss joined him, recognising the unmentionable fear in Hoss\u2019 eyes. \u201cHe\u2019s still alive. I don\u2019t know what\u2019s wrong but he\u2019s in shock, we have to get him back to camp fast.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt could kill him to move him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll die if we don\u2019t and anyway it\u2019ll be easier than the moving I\u2019ve already put him through and he\u2019s hanging on.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss moved over next to Adam and very gently picked up his little brother but even so Joe moaned and then he opened his eyes. Adam would have preferred him to stay out until they had him back at camp, but Hoss was greatly relieved as Joe tried to force a smile for his brothers. \u201cGood job it was me, the little one.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam gripped his hand \u201cDon\u2019t try and talk Joe. We\u2019ll get you back to camp and then try and make you more comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n The next few minutes were a nightmare for all three of them. Hoss moved as carefully as he could but he felt Joe tense against the pain and after a minute Joe, barely conscious, wasn\u2019t even aware he was moaning. Once Hoss stumbled and then stopped white-faced, as Joe screamed in agony. Adam wiped a hand across his eyes, surprised to find it was wet \u201cGo on Hoss, we have to get to camp.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded and moved on but as he passed Joe up to Adam on the black, Joe passed out again. Adam kicked the black into motion, guiding it with his knees and grateful that at least it was sure footed. He held Joe close to him desperately worried by the chill emanating from his brother\u2019s body. They were only a mile from the camp and as soon as they arrived Hoss took Joe and laid him down close to the fire. Adam collected all their blankets and all their spare clothing and began wrapping Joe up while Hoss at his order built up the fire and then built another one on the other side of the brothers.<\/p>\n \u00a0When he\u2019d finished Hoss came to kneel by Joe \u201cShouldn\u2019t we do something for his injuries first?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTime enough for that later. He\u2019s not bleeding, just grazed and bruised. We\u2019ve got to bring him out of shock that means warmth and quiet. We need some broth, put some meat on to stew slowly,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you make broth?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, but if you cook it long enough and strain the bits out some of the goodness will be there.\u201d Adam felt like yelling at his brother but knew that wouldn\u2019t help. He sat by Joe once he had him warmly wrapped, praying for his survival, praying that Joe would understand that he hadn\u2019t wanted to hurt him and feeling so inadequate; there was pitiably little he could do. He was so scared, sure Joe was injured somewhere inside, maybe bleeding to death where he couldn\u2019t see and couldn\u2019t do anything about it. Adam could still hear Joe\u2019s screams; they seemed to ring in his head. He had had to ignore them, but now he was scared what damage he might have caused by ignoring the pain he was putting his brother through. Hoss had put some meat on to cook and now he came to kneel the other side of Joe. He could see how desperately worried Adam was and as he felt Joe\u2019s pulse, so fast and erratic, his own fear flared up. \u201cWe must be able to do something?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, but we can\u2019t just watch him die.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stared down at his youngest brother and said bitterly \u201cI\u2019m open to suggestion. I\u2019ve done all I know how and maybe all I\u2019ve done is kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss lent over his brother and gripped Adam\u2019s arm, \u201cWe had to get him out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe if we\u2019d shored it and cut the branches off, lifted him gently, not pulled him. I caused him such pain.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss felt Adam\u2019s tears on his hand and he moved round next to his brother and put his arm round Adam. \u201cWe had no choice that tree could have moved at any moment, you did all you could.\u201d he felt Adam flinch away from him and he let his arm drop, staring down at Joe. \u201cHe\u2019s bust up inside ain\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam could only nod, but swallowing hard, said \u201cI could only find some broken ribs and there\u2019s no sign of a lung injury but his whole stomach is hard and when I touched it he moaned.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe needs a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you think I know that.\u201d Adam buried his face in his hands \u201cThink Hoss, its rough, we\u2019re halfway along the lake, whichever way you go its going to take at least twenty four hours to reach Doc and probably double that to get him here. If whatever is wrong doesn\u2019t start to heal on its own Joe will be dead, before a Doctor could get here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou do something then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what to do. I can take out bullets, set bones and treat surface cuts and bruises and I know how to nurse people through a fever but I\u2019m no Doctor. I have no idea what is wrong.\u201d Adam shut his eyes for a moment sighing heavily \u201cEven if a Doctor was here I don\u2019t know if he would or could do anything at the moment. That shock is killing him.\u201d Adam pulled the blanket closer round his little brother and then sat back, unconsciously rubbing his shoulder which he had badly strained pulling Joe out.<\/p>\n Hoss couldn\u2019t just sit there and he got up again made up the fires and then began pacing around, worried, scared and angry. He knew how his elder brother was feeling but when he\u2019d tried to share their worry Adam had flinched, drawn away from him and every time he spoke Adam seemed to snap at him. For a moment his anger was directed at Adam who wouldn\u2019t do anything and wouldn\u2019t let him do anything either.<\/p>\n Hoss knew Adam was making sense, but his heart insisted there must be something they could do. He turned rounds to argue with his brother only to stop as he took in just how drawn Adam was, the tearstains on his face and the love and fear he showed as he lent over Joe to pull a blanket closer. Then as he sat up Adam began massaging his shoulder, Hoss moved over \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with your shoulder?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked up uncomprehending for a moment and Hoss repeated his question. Adam sighed \u201cI don\u2019t know, I guess I strained it or something. There wasn\u2019t room to move properly under that tree. It\u2019s not dislocated or anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet me have a look, maybe a bit of massage would help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think you can do anything.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss had been trying to keep his temper under control, but now it erupted. \u201cYou won\u2019t let me help Little Joe and now you won\u2019t even let me try and help you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam felt like shouting back at his brother, he knew the strain Hoss was under, but it was equally bad for him. Their arguing was hardly likely to help Joe and he bit back the hasty words. A minute later he was glad he had as Hoss sat down next to him his shoulders bowed, \u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam. I didn\u2019t mean to yell at you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam put his arm round his brother, \u201cIts alright Hoss. I do know how you feel, don\u2019t you think everything in me is crying out to do something too. We both love him.\u201d Slowly he felt Hoss relax slightly, no longer feeling his elder brother had drawn away realising he\u2019d only flinched because he had a bad shoulder. Adam said almost to himself, \u201cIf only I knew more, knew what was wrong, maybe I could help.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss sat up \u201cThat\u2019s the trouble Adam, I\u2019m being stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked blankly at him, \u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe three of us in camp together, just us. That first night we all remembered when Joe and I were just kids. You were big brother with all the answers. I guess ever since then I, maybe Joe too, but especially me, I\u2019ve sorta relied on you for the answers. You\u2019re clever a lot more than me, more than Joe or even Pa and we\u2019ve got into the habit of letting you take the lead. That\u2019s not a bad thing someone has to, but I\u2019ve made it too much of a habit. I wanna a way to save Little Joe and maybe there ain\u2019t one. Either way you can\u2019t tell me the way because you don\u2019t know, anymore than me. Why should you? You ain\u2019t a doctor. It would be as fair to blame myself fer not knowing. I can only say I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam listened quietly to one of the longest speeches he remembered from Hoss in a long time. He could find no answer, just gripping Hoss\u2019 shoulder to show he understood. Five minutes later he said quietly \u201cThere\u2019s only one person with all the answers, maybe he could show us the right way.\u201d He got stiffly to his feet and walked over to where he could see the point and quietly prayed for guidance. Hoss knew what Adam meant but he had been praying ever since he found Cochise\u2019s broken reins and he had no certainty that he was being heard.<\/p>\n Adam came back and got some coffee \u201cSeems I\u2019m always asking God for help, Carole and then David, Carole again and now Joe, he must be getting fed up with me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSeems to me I\u2019ve heard you offering him your thanks as well. People are usually real happy to help, especially when its help received with real gratitude, Why should God be any different?\u201d<\/p>\n For the first time that day Adam smiled \u201cThank God you\u2019re here too Hoss. Maybe you might be able to do some good on this shoulder of mine, it\u2019s very sore.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss helped Adam out of his coat and shirt and then sighed \u201cI\u2019ll bet its sore, looks as though its on fire.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFeels a bit that way.\u201d Hoss made Adam move his arm and prodded carefully at the red and swollen joint. They had a few simple medications with them and he gently rubbed some liniment in but there was little else he could do, \u201cI\u2019m not sure, torn muscle maybe. Might be an idea to have a sling.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo thanks, I don\u2019t want one, It feels a bit easier, it\u2019ll be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhile I\u2019m doctoring the minor wounds I\u2019ll go and have a look at Cochise, Joe\u2019ll flay us alive if we don\u2019t take care of that pinto.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded and went back to Joe who seemed very unlikely to ever care. Even with all the blankets they could provide Joe was still shivering uncontrollably at times and it would get worse as the sun went down, The nights were very cold, if Joe lasted that long. Adam shook himself, his little brother was strong they had to work on the assumption that Joe would make it. The prime requisite was shelter or they would have pneumonia to add to their problems. When Hoss came back Adam outlined what they needed; somewhere to keep out the wind where they stood a chance of building up the temperature so they needed to be able to light a fire inside. They had axes and Hoss set to work cutting trees and stripping bark to weave the walls,<\/p>\n Adam tried to help but his right arm was useless and there was little he could do left-handed. Eventually Hoss said \u201cYou stay with Joe look after him, I\u2019ll get us a shelter.\u201d In fact he was glad of something to do and worked throughout the afternoon. Just occasionally he came over to kneel by Joe, feel his pulse, needing to know for himself, even though he knew Adam would tell him of any change.<\/p>\n Joe didn\u2019t stir, no sign of regaining consciousness and not even any fever so far. He was still in shock and though Adam tried to convince himself Joe\u2019s pulse was a mite stronger and steadier, it was still far too fast and he wasn\u2019t sure it wasn\u2019t just wishful thinking.<\/p>\n By early evening an almost Indian style hut was in place. Adam plastered the bark walls with mud and lit a fire in the centre under the single hole in the rook. It got rather smoky but at least it was warm and Hoss carried Joe in to the far side, away from the door. Then almost apologetically he said \u201cHow about food Adam. We had no lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou stay with him. I\u2019ll get some and try and strain that broth maybe we can get something warm in him too.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss sat down by his little brother at least Joe was hanging on and maybe nature would find its own cure. Twenty minutes later Adam brought in a plate of food for Hoss and two cups, one of broth for Joe and a coffee for himself. He tried to spoon the broth into Joe but after two spoonfuls Joe gagged on it and screamed as the movement tore at his stomach. He was still deeply unconscious; not knowing what was happening but it scared his brothers. Adam put the cup down and Hoss said, \u201cMaybe we\u2019d better wait until he comes round.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded and sipped his coffee. Hoss stared at him \u201cAin\u2019t you having anything?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot now. I don\u2019t think I could. You go on, you\u2019ve been working hard all afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou ought to eat Adam, it don\u2019t help Joe any for us to starve.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know but I keep hearing him scream.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s out cold Adam, he don\u2019t really know the pain. Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot then but he wasn\u2019t when I pulled him out from that tree. He knew all about pain then, everything there is to know.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss remembered how he\u2019d felt listening above and he didn\u2019t know how to help but he had to try. \u201cWe had no choice. Sure I thought of cutting it away but I doubt the horses could have held it long enough for us to cut it. Especially with the extra pressure, we\u2019d have killed him fer sure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid I\u2019ve done that anyway, I must have done something to make him scream, maybe tore something inside.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t blame yourself Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked up and Hoss could see in his eyes that Adam was doing exactly that. Hoss put his plate down and went over close to Adam, and forced his brother to look at him. \u201cListen to me for once big brother. You did what you had to. Joe\u2019s only chance. He\u2019s still alive, if you\u2019d done anything else he\u2019d be dead now. God willing we\u2019ll pull him through, He\u2019s tough, he\u2019s hanging on and he\u2019ll give us a chance. You torment yourself, blame yourself, don\u2019t eat and you\u2019re gonna be on the verge of collapse. Just when he needs you and I need your help to nurse him. I know how you feel I know how it hurts to cause him pain, I felt it just once carrying him up. I know it\u2019s like a knife in your guts but its over and done with. You\u2019ve got to put it behind you, for the same reason it hurts so much, because he\u2019s our little brother and we love him.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stared at Hoss seeing the intensity of fear and love in his brother\u2019s blue eyes and then he lent his aching head against Hoss shoulder and slowly relaxed. It was fully five minutes before he sat up, but then he grinned ruefully, \u201cYou\u2019re right big brother. I\u2019ll go get something to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss relieved to see Adam back in control settled back by Joe to wait.<\/p>\n As the night drew in, it got colder despite building up the fire and Joe was shivering continually. Eventually Adam said \u201cOnly one thing we can do as far as I can see. If we lie down one either side of him, close as we can, maybe our warmth will warm him<\/p>\n Hoss nodded it was worth a try, their own body heat was the only thing they had left to try. He built up the fire again and then settled next to Joe. Slowly Joe seemed to rest a little easier and even murmured \u2018Marie\u2019. Hoss tensed almost afraid that his brother\u2019s dead wife was coming to claim her beloved husband. Adam knew his big brother so well he sensed what Hoss was thinking and stretched across Joe to grip Hoss\u2019 arm. \u201cShe loved him Hoss, so very much. She\u2019d be the last one to want him to die, she\u2019ll intercede for his life.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss, almost sheepishly, nodded \u201cSure Adam, just a bit eerie.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot really. Joe still loves her. Who else is he going to ask for, but those he loves? Marie first and then us and Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou and Joe are lucky, I\u2019ve never found anyone I\u2019d put before you two and Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBefore?\u201d Adam mused \u201cI don\u2019t know. Wife, father, brothers, sons, different sorts of love. I don\u2019t know how you\u2019d choose. Maybe it isn\u2019t possible and you just pray that it\u2019s never necessary. Just because I have Carole doesn\u2019t make you or Joe any less important to me.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss gripped his hand \u201cI know that now Adam. Once I didn\u2019t like it, you off in yer own place, not sorta home. But now I know it don\u2019t make no difference, jest gained Carole and the twins.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think anything could make a difference Hoss, we\u2019ve been through too much together. Try and get some sleep this could be a long haul.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou too brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s shoulder was aching fiercely but it was his fear for Joe\u2019s life, which stopped him doing more than doze fitfully. He knew that Hoss was the same but the brothers rarely spoke. Occasionally one of them made up the fire, or checked Joe\u2019s pulse, but otherwise they could only wait for daylight. Whether it was the extra warmth of their bodies or the nearness of his brothers, Joe slowly began to rest more easily; his pulse was slower and stronger, although Adam still felt it was slightly erratic. One thing Adam was sure about Joe was coming out of shock, he no longer felt clammy and his breathing was much easier. Hoss spoke for the first time in hours as the first hint of dawn showed in the sky \u201cHe\u2019s coming out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe initial shock yes, but I expect his temperature to rise and we still don\u2019t know what\u2019s wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa always says face problems one at a time and don\u2019t build \u2018em up into a mountain. You said the shock could kill him, it ain\u2019t. I know it\u2019s only the first step, but let\u2019s be grateful fer that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re right Hoss.\u201d Adam stretched \u201cStay with him I\u2019ll make some coffee.\u201d He went out and watched the dawn over the Lake while the coffee heated, thankful that his brother was still alive and gaining a little peace from the beauty of the scene.<\/p>\n As they drank their coffee the brothers tried to work out what to do next. Hoss wanted to do what they could for Joe\u2019s other injuries before he got blood poisoning or something. Adam was less worried by that risk than he was at taxing Joe\u2019s slight strength by doing anything. Eventually after discussing it for a while he acquiesced. Hoss as right in one thing, it was probably safer to do it now before Joe\u2019s fever really rose, which they both knew was probably inevitable. Hoss went to boil some water while Adam checked their limited medical supplies. On a long trip they always tried to carry a minimum of bandages, disinfectant, ointment and laudanum and they had some brandy. Adam was scared to give Joe either laudanum or alcohol, unsure of the effect on his brother. When Hoss brought the water in, Adam had their supplies and was tearing up his only clean shirt for extra bandages.<\/p>\n Hoss said \u201cI\u2019ve got a clean one and I think Joe has a couple.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBring them but let\u2019s see what we need first. He was very bruised, few nasty grazes but probably not a lot actually needs bandaging.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wish he\u2019d come round.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t Hoss, not yet at least. Let\u2019s do what we can for him first and if he\u2019s out all to the good. If he pulls through this he\u2019s going to know all too much pain anyway.\u201d Adam stared sombrely down at his little brother.<\/p>\n Hoss gripped his shoulder \u201cJoe\u2019s tough he can take it, he has before. You\u2019ve had pain to put up with, you know as well as I do, it passes and you forget.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam took a deep breath, knowing this wasn\u2019t helping and nodded \u201cSure. Come on let\u2019s see what we can do.\u201d As they unwrapped Joe very carefully, Adam warned Hoss not to touch their brother\u2019s abdomen, at least until they had done everything else they could. There was a risk of driving him back into shock. Hoss accepted that and very, very carefully eased his brother’s pants off. Joe moaned once but he didn\u2019t stir and Hoss finished the job, sitting back with the sweat pouring off his face.<\/p>\n Adam smiled \u201cWell done.\u201d but the smile quickly faded as with Hoss he considered their little brother\u2019s battered body. Adam reached for a cloth and wrung it out in the hot water, while he waited for it to cool, he said reassuringly \u201cIt won\u2019t look nearly so bad once we have him cleaned up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s terribly bruised.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you expect Hoss? You saw all that stuff over him. Bruises will heal.\u201d Adam began sponging the dried blood away from Joe\u2019s legs and Hoss got a cloth and began to help. They worked as gently as they knew how, cleaning the dirt and blood away and spreading soothing ointment. Adam was right there was little that needed bandaging and no signs of broken bones. Once they had finished Adam spread blankets over his brother\u2019s lower body and undid his shirt. The whole right side of his chest was one massive bruise and Hoss gently felt the broken ribs \u201cReckon three just cracked but there\u2019s rough edges here.\u201d As Hoss touched it Joe moaned and his big brother sat back \u201cWhat do we do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan you match the ends? Your hands are stronger than mine with this blasted shoulder.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI guess so, but can he take it?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam bit his lip \u201cI think we have to try Hoss. If he starts tossing around, gets a high fever maybe delirious, that rough edge could do real damage to his lungs. It\u2019s rough but I think it can be matched.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell yeah but…\u201dHoss hesitated, \u201cOkay I\u2019ll give it a go, you hold him still.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss gritted his teeth but his hands were steady and firm as he felt the bone and then he nodded \u201cRight.\u201d Hoss was determined to get it done the first time and with one sure movement he lined the bones. Joe moaned but, to his brothers\u2019 relief, there was no terrible scream from the unconscious man. \u201cCheck it Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam did as he was asked and smiled tautly \u201cGood job Hoss. We\u2019ve got to get that bandaged. Lift him enough to get a bandage underneath at least.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll hold him you get it bandaged.\u201d Hoss met his brother\u2019s eye and saw the doubt \u201cWe have to Adam, even if it hurts his stomach.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded and moved out of the way so that Hoss could get to Joe\u2019s head. Very gently Hoss lifted Joe\u2019s shoulders to rest across his lap. Joe stirred uneasily but then relaxed against his brother. Adam slowly threaded the bandage under him with great care to keep it flat and pulled it tight to support the damaged ribs. Hoss felt Joe tense against the pain and he pushed his brother\u2019s hair back from his forehead and spoke quietly to him, assuring Joe that everything would be fine. Adam got four turns round Joe\u2019s chest and pulled it tight before tying the bandage off. \u201cBest I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLooks okay to me. Can you clean that cut on his arm before I put him down?\u201d Adam nodded and bandaged up the rather deeper cut. Once it was cleaned it had started bleeding again but the bandage provided sufficient pressure to stop it. Between them they edged Joe into a clean shirt and his coat and then finally Hoss laid him down on the cleanest blanket, which Adam had passed under him.<\/p>\n Adam straitened up massaging his aching shoulder but Hoss didn\u2019t even notice \u201cWe outghta have a look Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy? We don\u2019t know enough to know what we are looking at.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSee if it\u2019s worse or better.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head \u201cI don\u2019t even know if I can tell that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease Adam at least try.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded and pulled the blanket back and looked down at the dark bruises showing so clearly against the white flesh. He tried to remember what he knew about anatomy. There were two main livid bruises, one low on the right side and one high on the left. The complete rigidity had passed and as he felt very gently round the lower bruise Joe moaned but didn\u2019t react otherwise. Adam felt very carefully but as he approached the other bruise the skin felt hot and there seemed to be a hard lump that shouldn\u2019t be there, His fingertips were barely touching the skin but even so Joe moaned. As Adam tried to confirm the lump Joe screamed, his whole body going rigid and Adam pulled back as if he\u2019d been stung. He was white even to his lips but Hoss just held Joe still, not commenting, letting Adam gain control. Finally Adam said \u201cWell that\u2019s obviously the main problem, it\u2019s localised since yesterday.”<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is there?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shrugged and then regretted it as it tore at his shoulder \u201cI\u2019m not sure Hoss, kidney, spleen. Either way nothing we can do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf something\u2019s bust?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen Little Joe dies, unless it can seal over on it\u2019s own. Almost certainly within hours now. From the little I know, you either bleed to death or it gets infected and that kills, either way within a matter of hours of the injury. Been cases down the mines, I know Doc has lost them, no way he can help. There aren\u2019t many things he can help with in abdominal injuries. Chances are if Paul was here he could do no more than wait with us.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss frowned \u201cHow come you know so much?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoc talked it over a year or so back after I was married. Pointed out just how lucky I was to survive a bullet in the gut, twice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI still wish Doc was here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo do I Hoss, but it\u2019s too far and anyway with Joe this bad he needs both of us to nurse him. I couldn\u2019t have bandaged his ribs alone and neither could you, not without maybe doing more harm.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded slowly, that made sense. Adam stared down at his brother and almost to himself he said \u201cIf the worst happens, if he dies, he\u2019ll at least have two of us with him and we\u2019ll have each other.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss frowned, \u201cCome on Adam, he\u2019s holding on. We won\u2019t let him die,\u201d<\/p>\n As though he hadn\u2019t heard Adam looked up, \u201cHow do we tell Pa? How do we find the words?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve faced the possibility before but it\u2019s never come to it and some how we\u2019ll make sure it don\u2019t now. If we had to we\u2019d manage, same as Joe told you about Carole losing the baby. Do you think that was any easier? But we\u2019re not gonna have to. We\u2019re both here and we can pull him through.\u201d<\/p>\n The expression in Hoss\u2019 eyes belied the confidence of his words but Adam relaxed slightly \u201cAlright Hoss I\u2019m okay. I\u2019ll wrap him up, you go and get some breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll eat?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam gave a half smile \u201cAfter that lecture last night I don\u2019t dare not to.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss was relieved to hear his brother back in control of himself and went out to do as he was told. Adam concentrated on wrapping Joe up warmly and said a quiet prayer that his big brother was right, even though he\u2019d seen Hoss\u2019 uncertainty, despite his brave words.<\/p>\n By mid-afternoon Adam\u2019s fears were justified as Joe\u2019s temperature rose steeply and they had their hands full holding him still. Little Joe was muttering, not making much sense, calling to Marie, calling to his brothers to pull him out, the terror he\u2019d felt as the tree came down towards him and a lot more that was indistinguishable. He moaned occasionally as the pain caught him as he threshed around. There was little his brothers could do, just try and fight the fever with cold compresses and try to hold him still to conserves his strength. It was a battle they were all too familiar with and neither of them panicked, until now they had always won these battles and Joe was a fighter. The hours passed all too slowly, but the longer Joe held on the easier Adam felt, despite the pain maybe the injury wasn\u2019t as bad as he\u2019d feared or Joe would be dead by now. Hoss could only see how his brother was weakening, his pulse fast and thready, his breathing laboured, no longer talking or tossing around, as though he no longer had the strength, Joe was sinking into a coma. By about 3 a.m. Hoss had about given up hope and despair was etched deep on his face.<\/p>\n Adam recognized it, despite the dim light from the fire and it was his turn to try and console his brother. Nothing he said seemed to penetrate and eventually Hoss said, \u201cI know you mean well Adam, but you don\u2019t know any more than me. It\u2019s in God\u2019s hands.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure Hoss but believe me the longer he hangs on the more chance there is that he will make it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay I believe you. I\u2019m not gonna break down or anything.\u201d He was quiet for a minute and then pulled himself up \u201cI\u2019m gonna get some coffee. You?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease.\u201d Adam would have liked a drink but he was determined to keep the brandy in case Joe needed it. He watched his brother go out, knowing Hoss didn\u2019t believe him, whatever he said. Hoss would have liked to but he couldn\u2019t, he had the evidence of his own eyes, how rapidly Joe was weakening.<\/p>\n As morning came Joe\u2019s temperature seemed to fall slightly and Adam was dozing fitfully as he sat next to his brother. Hoss was restless and he went to fetch some more water, then wandered round the camp, doing odd jobs, tending the horses especially Cochise and tidying up. Every five minutes or so he wandered in to see how his brothers were, although he knew he could rely on Adam to call him if there was any change. There was nothing he could do for Joe and Hoss was stifled in that little hut.<\/p>\n Joe lay still and Adam managed to get a little broth down his brother but as the day went past so very slowly, Joe\u2019s temperature began to rise again and his breathing seemed more laboured. Adam had forced Hoss to try and get some sleep and Hoss had settled down by the fire just outside the small hut. Adam had managed to set some sleep during the day, at least a few dozes, enough to carry him and he sat by Joe changing the cold compress. Very worried as Joe\u2019s temperature went higher that it had done the previous evening. There was nothing Hoss could do that he couldn\u2019t and Adam didn\u2019t want to disturb his brother, who had looked desperately tired. When Hoss finally came in to join him just after 4 a.m. Adam was very glad to see him. Just as the previous day Joe\u2019s temperature had dropped a degree or two again but it was still higher than when Hoss settled down and he looked at Adam in alarm. Adam said \u201cEasy Hoss, its been higher all night, dropping off again now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t understand Adam, shouldn\u2019t it break?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe it won\u2019t Hoss. When David was ill his fever never broke, it fell like this in the morning and rose in the evening but each time it went up a little less until it settled down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut Joe\u2019s went up more than yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. We can only wait and see what happens this evening. Try and get some food into him, build up his strength for whatever does.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss thought about that for a moment and nodded \u201cI\u2019ll go heat up some broth. You ought to get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLater.\u201d Adam changed the compress and when Hoss brought in a cup of broth he managed to spoon most of it into Joe. As his fever dropped his breathing eased and he swallowed the broth without fuss. Hoss grinned as Adam put the empty cup down \u201cThat\u2019s a good sign.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt helps. I want to have a look at his side, hold him still will you.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded and Adam carefully pulled the blankets back, the swelling on Joe\u2019s side looked no worse and very gingerly Adam felt the inflamed area. It was still hot to the touch but the area of hardness seemed smaller and although Joe moaned he lay still, Adam risked feeling more firmly and Joe flinched away but he didn\u2019t scream and Adam quickly covered his brother again. He sat back \u201cI\u2019m no Doc but it doesn\u2019t feel quite as big or quite as hot, maybe it\u2019s beginning to heal,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you really think so?\u201d Hoss asked eagerly, trusting his elder brother as ever to reach the correct conclusions from available facts.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t be sure, but I think so, He didn\u2019t react as violently when I touched it, Something must be happening or he\u2019d be dead by now.\u201d Adam smiled \u201cI\u2019m sure enough to go and get some sleep. Call me if he shows signs of coming round.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think he will?\u201d Hoss asked doubtfully.<\/p>\n \u201cI should think there\u2019s a chance he will some time today.\u201d Despite his cheerful words it took Adam a long time to get to sleep, he knew just how weak his brother was. Adam slept for four hours and then spared time to wash and get some coffee before going back to his brothers. Hoss was surprised to see him back so soon. Adam had looked so tired he had expected his brother to sleep the clock round and when he\u2019d got some coffee an hour earlier, Adam had been dead to the world. Still his elder brother looked very much better and Hoss didn\u2019t comment, instead he said, \u201cHis temperature has dropped right down. He\u2019s drunk two more cups of broth but he isn\u2019t showing any signs of waking up.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam knelt down and felt Joe\u2019s pulse, it was much steadier and he sat down \u201cMore rest he gets the better. As long as we can get food down him at least he\u2019s not aware of pain then.\u201d<\/p>\n It was just after lunch that Joe began to moan softly and became restless. Then he put his hand to his aching head, only really aware of pain, not knowing where he was or why. Adam smoothed his hair back off his forehead and took his brother\u2019s hand \u201cEasy Little Joe. Lie still.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe opened his eyes but it took him a minute to focus and then he saw his brothers smiling at him, and he tried to grin licking his dry lips. Hoss lent over him and very gently lifted his head and fed him some water, Joe drank thirstily but as he did so pain caught him from his stomach and his brothers felt him tense against it. Adam knew from experience that tensing just made matters worse, \u201cTry and relax Little Joe, everything is going to be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe lay still trying to ignore the pain in his side and all his other aches and pains. It was too much effort to talk, ask questions and he just lay there watching his brothers. He had great faith in them and with both of them there to look after him, he accepted everything would be okay. He could see the signs of strain and the anxiety they were trying to hide, but Adam had said he would be fine, answering the question he\u2019d seen in his brother\u2019s eye. The way he had said it convinced Joe that his brother wasn\u2019t lying. Adam and Hoss talked quietly to Joe for a while about nothing in particular, just wanting him to rest. Then Adam said, \u201cGo get some more broth Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam took Joe\u2019s hand \u201cYou have to eat little brother. I know it hurts to swallow but you must.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe whispered \u201cAm I going to make it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll make it little brother, but we need to build up your strength before we can take you home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou won\u2019t leave me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course not. Hoss and I will be right with you. Now don\u2019t try and talk.\u201d Adam knew just how much it would hurt Joe and he\u2019d recognised the fear of it in Joe\u2019s eyes as he sent Hoss for broth. He steeled himself to feed Joe, lifting his brother just enough not to spill the food; Hoss passed it to Adam and then knelt down by Joe. Little Joe tried but with each spoonful the pain grew worse and he couldn\u2019t hide it. Adam encouraged his brother, persuading him to keep trying but then Joe scared to swallow, tensed and retched on the next spoonful. It tore at his stomach and he couldn\u2019t help the scream of agony before sinking into merciful oblivion back against his brother. Adam held him close. \u201cJoe, Joe, I\u2019m so sorry, hold on.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss had watched, unable to help either one but now he gripped Adam\u2019s arm. \u201cJoe did better than you have on occasion. I\u2019ve watched it three times now. Before you\u2019ve always been on the receiving end but you\u2019ve come through it, so will Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked round at his big brother and slowly relaxed, realising the sense of Hoss\u2019 words. \u201cFunny I got to dread Pa coming in with a tray but I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever realised, until now, just how much he must have dreaded it too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll feed him next time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll see but we have to do it, whatever pain it costs him. I know how bad that can be but even then I knew it was necessary and Joe will know too.\u201d Adam laid Joe back down wrapping the blankets tightly round him; at least his brother hadn\u2019t been sick. \u201cI\u2019m alright now Hoss. We\u2019ll pull him through.\u201d<\/p>\n Late that evening both brothers were becoming worried that their optimistic forecasts earlier were going to be wrong. Joe\u2019s fever had mounted very rapidly even higher than the day before and his breathing was very laboured. Hoss had been so sure that they were over the worst and he was hit very hard as his brother slipped back into danger. Adam kept calmer, still sure that the injury to his brother\u2019s side was slowly improving. He had had another look and if anything it looked better than it had that morning, but he couldn\u2019t convince Hoss of that. Adam couldn\u2019t remember a time when Hoss had given up so completely. He could understand how his brother felt but even so as the night wore on and Hoss accepting Joe\u2019s death as inevitable, spoke of him almost as though he was already dead, Adam found it hard to keep hold of his temper. He knew it was very unlikely that Joe could hear Hoss, but he was scared that in some strange way the defeatist attitude would penetrate to Joe. He asked Hoss to go and get him some coffee not wanting to leave Joe, whom he\u2019d long since lifted onto his lap. Convinced that close physical contact had helped David and Carole, maybe it would help Joe too, so he had his brother\u2019s head and shoulders resting across his lap. When Hoss muttered \u201cYou might as well put him down, get your own.\u201d Adam lost all patience. He sat up and eased his aching shoulder and then said, \u201cHoss pull yourself together. I promised Little Joe two things. Firstly that he\u2019d make it and secondly that neither of us would leave him. The way you\u2019re acting you are doing more harm than good. He has to fight and if he senses that you\u2019ve given up on him, maybe he\u2019ll give up too. I didn\u2019t reckon on him going back this far either but he\u2019s been worse than this and he survived, that beating before my marriage for instance. I won\u2019t let him die. If you\u2019re not going to help then get out.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss stood glaring at his brother, he\u2019d only wanted Adam to stretch his legs, get some fresh air, knowing how stiff and sore his brother must be, especially with an injured shoulder, and for a moment he was furious with Adam. That at least had the effect of lifting him out of the slough of despond into which he\u2019d slipped and eventually he just said, \u201cI\u2019ll get coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n When he came back in ten minutes later he\u2019d had time to think and admitted the truth of his brother\u2019s comments. He passed Adam the coffee \u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam you\u2019re right. I haven\u2019t been much help to you this evening. I don\u2019t know what to say.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled tautly, \u201cNo need to say anything Hoss I understand how you feel, I didn’t think he would be worse tonight either. Like you I thought he\u2019d turned the corner, I still think he may have. I didn\u2019t mean to blow up at you, guess we\u2019re both over tired.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss made a determined effort to cheer up; hoping his eldest brother\u2019s confidence wasn\u2019t all put on but hardly daring to believe in it. Whether it was coincidence, or whether Adam was right when he maintained that even though deeply unconscious Joe was aware of those who loved him and how they felt, almost from the moment Hoss came back to rejoin his brothers Joe\u2019s temperature began to fall. At first almost imperceptibly but within a couple of hours it was almost back to normal, Adam fed Joe twice without Joe waking and with no real trouble. As he put the cup down the second time he commented \u201cRidiculous but it\u2019s easier to feed him while he\u2019s out. I suppose he\u2019s not tensing against the pain.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss tried to persuade Adam to go and get some rest but Adam expected Joe to wake up soon and wouldn\u2019t leave. Hoss looked away, thinking Adam didn\u2019t trust him with their brother and after his performance over night maybe Adam was right. He at least was convinced that Joe\u2019s improvement when he stopped being so defeatist was no coincidence. Adam laughed more freely than he had since Cochise appeared \u201cNo Hoss I don\u2019t mean I don\u2019t trust you to look after Joe. It\u2019s just that I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll wake up soon and I shan\u2019t settle until I know how he is, but then he\u2019s all yours.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t say…\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou were thinking it and I wasn\u2019t!\u201d Hoss had to grin, his brother knew him so well and the first thing Joe was aware of as he opened his eyes was his two brothers grinning broadly at each other. He asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s the joke?\u201d His voice was still very weak but at least the effort to talk wasn\u2019t too much bother, They both grinned down at him and Adam aid \u201cYou\u2019ve finally woken up have you. How do you feel Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSore. My side aches.\u201d Joe touched his left side and gritted his teeth against the pain.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t try and move, everything is beginning to heal but you took a bad knock.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned, trying to remember what had happened, not recognising the tiny hut sheltering him. \u201cWhere are we?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOn the west shore of the Lake, the camp site with a marvellous view as its sole recommendation.\u201d Hoss grinned at his brother.<\/p>\n Slowly Joe\u2019s memory came back and he remembered the survey and then suddenly the whole thing flooded back to him from the moment that the tree snapped and the terror he\u2019d felt broke in him again. Adam had reached out for the brandy just in case and he quickly took off the top and held the flask against Joe\u2019s mouth \u201cCome on little brother, have a sip, you\u2019re safe now.\u201d<\/p>\n Between them Adam and Hoss held him still and Adam forced a little brandy into Joe, sure that it would do more good than harm right now. Slowly Joe relaxed against Adam, and remembered how his brothers had got him out. He looked at Hoss \u201cCochise?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll be fine before you\u2019re fit enough to ride him, just a bruised leg.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked again at the hut \u201cWhere are we?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned, \u201cIt was getting a bit chilly so Hoss built us a hut, real Indian style. Our brother has unexpected talents.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow long have I been here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree days. You\u2019re very weak so no more questions for now. Everything is going to be fine but you have to rest.\u201d Adam gave his brother a little more brandy hoping it would relax him while Hoss got some broth. Joe stared at it as Hoss came in and the memory of pain from yesterday came back all too clearly and he flinched, \u201cI don\u2019t want.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam held him closer \u201cYou have to eat Joe. We can\u2019t get you home until you\u2019re stronger and you won\u2019t be without eating. I know it hurt you yesterday but do you know that you had two meals during the night without any fuss?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned, puzzled unable to remember and Adam grinned \u201cI know you don\u2019t remember little brother, you were asleep at the time and a damned sight more co-operative that way than you are now.\u201d Joe looked at Hoss, who nodded, \u201cHe\u2019s right Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam went on \u201cI\u2019m not going to say that it won\u2019t hurt but if you try and relax, don\u2019t tense against it, it won\u2019t be more than you can take.\u201d Adam forced himself to sound confident; hoping Joe wouldn\u2019t see the fear in his eyes.<\/p>\n Little Joe nodded, his brother was right he had to eat and he tried to do as Adam said and relax. He docilely took each spoonful as Adam offered it although his whole stomach seemed to be on fire as he swallowed, stabbing pains deep in his left side bringing tears of pain to his eyes. Somehow he managed to restrain the moans that were threatening and then Adam passed the cup back to Hoss and said, \u201cWell done Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe felt as though his side was on fire but he relaxed at his brother\u2019s praise and buried his face against Adam for a moment. As he looked up again Hoss wiped the tears from his eyes so very gently and smiled down at him. Joe knew his brothers understood his pain and his fears but with them there everything would be alright and on that thought he dozed off again.<\/p>\n When Adam was sure his brother was asleep, he laid Joe down but he was so stiff after sitting holding Joe most of the night that he needed Hoss\u2019 help to get to his feet. Hoss insisted on examining Adam\u2019s shoulder but it was much better, the inflammation subsiding and the swelling almost gone, Hoss rubbed in some more liniment although Adam insisted it was fine, just a little stiff. Adam yawned and Hoss said, “Go get some sleep.”<\/p>\n “You’ve had no more than I have\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI haven’t been holding him all night. Go on I\u2019ll call you when he wakes up again and then I\u2019ll get some.\u201d<\/p>\n Too tired to argue Adam went out to lie down and was asleep almost instantly but he heard his brother\u2019s call as Joe woke up about three hours later and once Joe was fed and resting again he made Hoss go and get some sleep. Four times that day Joe woke for a while and his brothers talked to him and fed him before he slipped back into sleep. They were both waiting anxiously for the evening and Joe\u2019s temperature did rise but nowhere near as high as the night before, Adam had checked his side again earlier and although still hard and tender it no longer felt on fire. They were sufficiently convinced that Joe was going to be alright to agree to split the night watch, once sure he wasn\u2019t going to be as feverish. Adam took the first part and woke Hoss about three to take over.<\/p>\n Although he was tired Adam was too restless to settle and walked down to look out over the Lake, beautiful in the moonlight. Remembering Hoss\u2019 words Adam offered a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving for his brother\u2019s life. He stood watching the Lake for half an hour and then returned to sleep dreamlessly until dawn, He cooked breakfast and took Hoss his. Joe was sleeping quietly and Hoss said \u201cWe\u2019re gonna have to think about getting him home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s much too weak to move yet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Adam but we don\u2019t have too much left in the way of supplies and this weather ain\u2019t gonna hold much longer. There were clouds building up over the mountains yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam had been avoiding the thought knowing the risks moving Joe was bound to involve. Ideally his brother should be kept quiet and still for at least another week. In the rough land there was no way to bring a wagon close and Joe would have to be moved on horseback or some sort of travois. Hoss was right the risks would be compounded if the weather broke. Before he could answer Joe stirred and the brothers shelved the questions for discussion later.<\/p>\n Little Joe seemed quite a bit stronger without a high fever sapping his strength overnight and his voice was noticeably stronger. He sounded much more like himself to Hoss\u2019 relief. He was sore and aching but now he insisted on knowing exactly what his injuries were. Adam hesitated but Hoss nodded, knowing that when Joe sounded like that there was noway he would let the subject drop without getting an answer. Adam outlined them briefly. He couldn\u2019t give full details, partly because he just didn\u2019t know, but at least everything was on the mend. While Adam talked Hoss gave Joe a drink and then they fed him. After the food Joe lay quietly waiting for the pain to subside but for the first time he didn\u2019t slide straight back into sleep. He wanted to know if his brothers had finished the survey.<\/p>\n Adam smiled \u201cWe\u2019ve had other things to think about Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell you\u2019d better do it, I want to go home.\u201d Little Joe hadn\u2019t meant that to sound quite such a heartfelt plea, neither had he intended the tears, which overflowed. He wanted to be at home. However hard his brothers tried the earth was hard and the small smoky hut was dark and cold. Joe was weak and sore and he wanted his own bed, his own things and his Pa and he couldn\u2019t hide it. Hoss put his arm round his little brother and Adam promised they would take him home just as soon as he was strong enough but Little Joe didn\u2019t really seem aware of either of them and they were both relieved when he cried himself to sleep five minutes later. Hoss gently wiped his brother\u2019s face and stood up \u201cI guess it\u2019s none too comfortable for a sick man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell that just makes it more important to think how we\u2019re going to do it. Go get some sleep I\u2019ll stay with him and try and think.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss stretched \u201cI\u2019m not sleepy. Like Joe said we ain\u2019t finished the survey.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat can wait. You and I can come back later to do it or it can wait until spring. There\u2019s only two days work.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d rather be busy.\u201d Adam frowned but he could see how tense his big brother was and he knew Hoss could work it off best in his own way. \u201cDo what you want Hoss I\u2019ll look after him. Only no more accidents. I can\u2019t manage both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grinned, \u201cI\u2019ll be careful.\u201d He rode out and worked hard without a single break until the light faded. Then he rode in and gave Adam the detailed figures. Adam had a meal waiting; he had settled Joe down for the fourth time a few minutes earlier. Joe had been much calmer and he was able to give Hoss an optimistic report.<\/p>\n While Hoss ate Adam read through the notes to find Hoss had completed in one day the work he had planned for all three of them the day of the landslip. Hoss looked absolutely exhausted and made no protest when Adam ordered him to get some rest. Adam left him to have his sleep to and sat dozing by his youngest brother, eager to get home, hoping his father and Carole weren\u2019t worried. He had left the length of their trip fairly open but he had certainly not intended to be away as long as it would inevitably work out. With Joe fretting to get home and the risk of the weather breaking he\u2019d decided to tell Joe they would go in one more day if he\u2019d behave and rest. Joe was very querulous, so uncomfortable and too weak to hide how ill he felt. Adam was convinced that his brother wouldn\u2019t really recover his strength until he was back in his own bed but it was going to take several days to get there.<\/p>\n Hoss was furious with Adam to find dawn breaking as he woke, he had intended his elder brother to call him, but Adam just laughed at him. He had had a fair amount of sleep lying down next to Joe, who had slept very peacefully all night, no need to wake Hoss. Then he outlined to Hoss how he thought they ought to move Joe home. Adam had no intention of attempting more than five miles the following day and that in two stages, with the second after lunch dependent on how Joe survived the first. Hoss knew hoe weak his little brother was but he wanted him home in his own bed with Doc on call and thought they should try a little more. At the rate Adam was suggesting it would take five or six days to get there. Adam promised to reconsider when they\u2019d seen how Joe stood up to travelling but proposed Hoss have a look at the route during the day and maybe rig some sort of shelter for Joe for tomorrow night. Hoss agreed willingly and when Joe had had his breakfast Hoss chatted to him for a while, explaining his absence the previous day, and then he rode off.<\/p>\n Adam had promised Joe they would start home the following day and for a while that cheered Joe up. By lunchtime he was so sore and uncomfortable he felt like throwing the food at Adam, as he came in. Tense and miserable Joe tried to force the food down but he couldn\u2019t and pushed it away. He lent against his brother almost doubled over with the pain in his stomach as he tied to ease it, not even aware he was making the strange moaning sound he could hear. Joe begged his brother not to put off their return home. Adam couldn\u2019t calm him and poured out some laudanum and forced his brother to take it. He sat nursing Joe until he slipped into sleep, very worried but unsure what to do for the best. When Joe was asleep Adam risked leaving him, just long enough to get some coffee. The chill in the air and the clouds gathering above the peaks decided him; the weather wasn\u2019t going to hold. There was no choice they had to move Joe.<\/p>\n Adam was surprised as the afternoon slipped by with no sign of Hoss. Joe was sleeping under the effects of the drug, but as it grew dark and Hoss still wasn\u2019t back Adam got very worried. He was scared his big brother had met with an accident too. He was very relieved when he finally heard a horse and hurried out. Hoss dismounted stiffly but he was grinning, \u201cSorry I\u2019m so late. I left the shelter till last and it took me longer than I expected.\u201d He handed Adam a sheaf of papers, \u201cOne survey finished up to our boundaries.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam had half-expected something like that; it was only since it got too dark to work that he\u2019d got seriously worried. There was an edge to his voice as he said \u201cYou\u2019re an idiot Hoss, but thanks. Go eat.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss stared at his brother seeing the worry in his eyes \u201cWere you that worried about me Adam or is it Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s sleeping. I\u2019m just tired, anxious to get home. I\u2019ve packed up most of the stuff; we can finish in the morning. Have meal and get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI slept all last night.\u201d Hoss protested<\/p>\n \u201cAnd worked all day. I\u2019ve been dozing on and off anyway. Don\u2019t argue please, I\u2019m not in the mood.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss meekly agreed and did as Adam wanted, it was obviously the best way to help his brother. Joe woke near midnight, he was in a very subdued mood but with Adam\u2019s promise to start home in the morning, if he drank a cup of broth and went back to sleep, he soon settled down again.<\/p>\n Adam, with experience of stomach wounds, knew only too well how painful he had found it to be moved even slightly and was scared Joe would find the same. He didn\u2019t think either of his brothers realised just how taxing and painful Joe could find the journey and could only pray that he was wrong, but he couldn\u2019t settle, and sat by his youngest brother worrying.<\/p>\n Ben was unable to sleep that night either. He was expecting his sons home any time now, indeed he was slightly surprised they weren\u2019t back already, He was uneasy about them, though he didn\u2019t know why. Maybe mental telepathy was at work for as Adam sat worrying about Joe, Ben was sitting worrying about Adam. Carole had kept her word to Doc, and once the brothers had left, she confided in Ben about her pregnancy along with Doc\u2019s reassurance that everything was fine. Ben could understand why she hadn\u2019t told Adam but he was sure that Adam wouldn\u2019t like it. Determined that nothing would go wrong in his son\u2019s absence Ben spent many hours over with Carole, making sure she got the rest Paul had ordered. He had even persuaded Hop Sing to find another relative to stay with Kam Su until Adam\u2019s return so that she would never be left alone. A chat with Doc in town had allayed his fears to a certain extent but he was eager for Adam to get home, knowing that Adam was even further away now than he had been in the spring when it had seemed unlikely they could fetch him in time. He put his growing unease down to his desire for Adam\u2019s return but although he was busy he couldn\u2019t get his sons out of his mind.<\/p>\n Carole was also anxious to see Adam and share her joy at this new baby, it couldn\u2019t replace the one they had lost but it was the final step in healing the wound. Maybe the scar would always remain but scar tissue can be tough. She too had expected them back by now, but knew they had plenty of supplies and wouldn\u2019t leave until the job was done. The weather was holding and so she assumed they\u2019d found a few unexpected problems.<\/p>\n The following morning Joe forced down two cups of broth without fussing and then lay quietly while his brothers finished packing up. Cochise still wasn\u2019t fully fit but he could carry the spare gear and all the important papers. Adam had explained to both of his brothers the only possible way he could see to get Joe home, or at least back to the right side of the Lake where maybe Hoss could go and collect a wagon. Adam was going to carry Joe in his arms much as Joe had once brought him home from the north range with a similar injury. Hoss was too heavy to be able to help, no horse could take his weight and Joe\u2019s, but Adam\u2019s black stallion was strong and would manage the brothers doubling up, particularly as they weren\u2019t intending going either far or fast. The horse wasn\u2019t a trained cowpony but in the weeks since Joe brought it back, it had seemed to develop an affinity with its new master. Adam was confident it would obey a very loose rein and knee pressure. Hoss agreed it had done so when Adam brought Joe back to camp and it seemed surefooted but he would have preferred to lead it, Hoss didn\u2019t trust the black stallion as he would their own trained horses. The brothers had argued for more than an hour but Hoss had had to give way. He would already have Cochise to deal with and Adam insisted that he was happier just leaving Hoss to break trail and follow at his own pace when he had seen any problems. Hoss couldn\u2019t better his brother\u2019s plan, although the bulk of the work fell on Adam, and Joe didn\u2019t care as long as he went home.<\/p>\n Adam hadn\u2019t told Joe just how long it was going to take them to get home, wanting to see how his brother stood up to travelling. Joe might find it a lot easier than Adam feared and they could get home faster.<\/p>\n When everything else was ready Adam mounted and then walked over to the small hut. He waited for Hoss and as the stallion sidled away Adam said, \u201cWhoa now Blackie, I know you\u2019re full of yourself but slow and easy is the job today.\u201d The horse pricked his ears and seemed to understand and stood patiently.<\/p>\n Inside Hoss and Joe heard him and to Hoss\u2019 delight, Joe grinned, his aches and pains forgotten for the moment. \u201cSo he is replacing Sport. That\u2019s the first time I\u2019ve heard Adam talk to a horse since he shot Sport. He didn\u2019t even bother to name that pretty chestnut mare. I thought he should have started with a younger horse but it\u2019s obviously right for him.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss glanced out the door \u201cFrom the way he\u2019s standing patiently now, I\u2019d guess master and horse have hit it off, looks right all round and he\u2019s sure a looker. Anyway come on little brother; let\u2019s get you home. Don\u2019t try and do anything, just relax and let me do the work okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded and tried to do as he was asked, but he was badly shaken by the severe pain in his side and stomach as Hoss lifted him. So far he had only moved just enough to be fed and without even a bed to make his brothers had been expert at nursing him without really lifting him. Joe tried very hard not to tense against the pain knowing it only made it worse but he had lost what little colour he had and was biting hard on his lip to stop himself crying out by the time Hoss had got to Adam. Hoss hadn\u2019t missed the pain but he just looked up at Adam, the question clear in his eyes, \u201cDid they dare carry on?\u201d<\/p>\n It was no more than Adam had expected and he\u2019d already weighed the choices. He smiled trying to reassure both his brothers, \u201cJust take it easy we\u2019re not going very far for the first stage. Hand him up to me Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss did as he was told and Joe bit back the groan, wanting to get home. Adam settled him as comfortably as he could, cradling Joe against him. \u201cOkay Hoss lead on.\u201d Adam moved Blackie off very slowly and looked down at Joe \u201cWe don\u2019t need any heroics Little Joe, only Hoss and I here. If you can\u2019t help crying out, just go ahead. It helps sometimes and we both know what you\u2019re going through. I know it hurts, I\u2019ve been there. Anytime you want to stop just say, you\u2019re the only one who knows how bad the pain is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be alright, want, get home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Joe, but if you can\u2019t take it we\u2019ll rest. I only wish I knew an easier way.\u201d Adam made his brother take a couple of sips of brandy and then urged Blackie on very slightly faster. The horse moved very smoothly, but even so they had gone less than a mile before Joe was unable to prevent a moan. He looked up at Adam, wanting to apologise, but Adam just smiled, \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter Little Joe, yell all you want it might help and there\u2019s noone else to hear.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe wouldn\u2019t do that but as he grew less aware of what was happening lost in a world of pain, he couldn\u2019t help moaning and, just once as Blackie slipped slightly, he screamed as the sudden movement jolted his body. Adam just held him close, sometimes talking to him even though he realised Joe wasn\u2019t really hearing him. It was very rough land and he was grateful for Blackie, who apart from the one slip, moved so very smoothly. Hoss riding just ahead of Adam turned from time to time hearing his brother\u2019s moans and stopped dead when he heard Joe scream, but Adam called \u201cGo on Hoss, to where we agreed.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss finally pulled up in a small glade only two miles nearer home; it was the longest two miles he\u2019d ever ridden. He lit the fire and then as Adam came to a stop, he took Little Joe from his brother and gently settled him on a blanket. Joe was barely hanging onto his senses and Adam just pulled the blanket round him and slipped his own thick coat over Joe and then concentrated on making coffee. Hoss stood staring down at his little brother seeing the lines of pain etched deep in his face but Joe had his eyes shut, waiting for the pain to fade and so Hoss joined Adam. He was shocked but he could see only resignation in his brother\u2019s eyes \u201cYou expected that.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded \u201cYou were the one who said I was usually on the receiving end. I know how it hurt me to be moved and even weeks after horseback was…\u201d He sighed heavily \u201cI hoped I was wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat now?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe Homecoming<\/a><\/span>
\nHome to Stay<\/a><\/span>
\nHoneymoon and Arguments<\/a><\/span>
\nJoe and Marie<\/a><\/span>
\nAdam and Carole<\/a><\/span>
\nA European Trip<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Aftermath<\/a><\/span>
\nA Busy Summer<\/a><\/span>
\nA Tree Falls<\/a><\/span>
\nSan Fracisco Trip<\/a><\/span>
\nA Stranger from the Past<\/a><\/span>
\nA Sense of Blame<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Medicine Man<\/a><\/span>
\nCourtship and Cattle Drives<\/a><\/span>
\nAngels with Red Hair?<\/a><\/span>
\nThieves and Murderers<\/a><\/span>
\nPipeline Problems<\/a><\/span>
\nGuests for Christmas<\/a><\/span>
\nA Turbulent Preacher<\/a><\/span>
\nJoe and Nita<\/a><\/span>
\nBen and Beth<\/a><\/span>
\nBanks, Pipelines, and Railroads<\/a><\/span>
\nLost<\/a><\/span>
\nA New Operation<\/a><\/span>
\nA Slow Recovery<\/a><\/span>
\nCelebrations<\/a><\/span>
\nForest Fire<\/a><\/span>
\nA Premature Birth<\/a>
\n<\/span>The Bank of California<\/a>
\nTrail Drive<\/a><\/span>
\nRobbery and Assault<\/a><\/span>
\nVirginia City on Fire<\/a><\/span>
\nRebuilding Virginia City<\/a><\/span>
\nCatching Up<\/a><\/span>
\nChristenings, Commissions, and Christmas<\/a><\/span>
\nWinter Ills<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #2 \u2013 Advance Warning<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #3 – Family Row #1<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #4 \u2013 Family Row #2<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #5 \u2013 Family Row #3<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #6 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #1<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #7 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #2 – Court Hearing<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #8 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #3 – Knight Errant<\/a>
\nThe Lawyer #9 – The Spanish Land Grant #4 – The Long Journey Home<\/a>
\nThe Lawyer #10 – The Spanish Land Grant #5 – Troy’s Last Stand<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n