Summary:\u00a0 Based on \u201cAll Ye His Saints\u201d.\u00a0 This is my version of the episode as I always wanted it to be.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 10,610 words<\/p>\n
In God We Trust<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Based on the original episode This is my version of the story, as I always wanted it to be<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe Cartwright swung on the top of the fence post happily as he watched the men with the horses inside the corral. He smiled and waved as Charlie stepped out of the barn and headed towards him.\u00a0 Charlie smiled back at the curly-haired youngster and walked over to ruffle his hair affectionately. \u2018Hello there,\u2019 he said. \u2018What are you up to youngun?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nuthin,\u2019 said Little Joe as he continued to swing on the fence post. \u2018I\u2019m jest watching the men is all.\u2019\u00a0 He looked over Charlie\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Where\u2019s my Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Your Pa is in the barn,\u2019 said Charlie as he leant on the fence beside the young boy.\u00a0 \u2018He\u2019s still flushing out those owls in the loft.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018Oh boy!\u2019 he said and began to climb down from the fence. \u2018I\u2019m gonna watch!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Charlie pulled him back up again by the collar of his shirt.\u00a0 \u2018No you aren\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018Your Pa told you to stay out of there and he meant it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe gave the man one of his most charming smiles. \u2018But he only meant I couldn\u2019t go in there by myself,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019d be okay iffen you took me in.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Charlie laughed aloud at the boy\u2019s words.\u00a0 It was typical of the youngest Cartwright to try and wheedle his way around his father\u2019s instructions.\u00a0\u00a0 Charlie had been foreman on the ranch long before this boy was born and he\u2019d seen him do it many times … not usually with success \u2026 and many times Little Joe had felt the wrath of his father\u2019s anger because of it. He ruffled the boy\u2019s hair again and grinned at him. \u2018I don\u2019t think so,\u2019 he said. \u2018I ain\u2019t ready ta get on the wrong side of your Pa just so you can watch him shoot a few owls young\u2019un.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe frowned. \u2018But \u2026.\u2019 he began.\u00a0 He stopped as his two brothers rode into the yard and his frown turned to a smile, for here might be two more accomplices to his plan.\u00a0 \u2018Hi Adam!\u2019 he called. \u2018Hi Hoss!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His older brothers waved at him before dismounting. Little Joe climbed down from the fence and ran over to them. \u2018Can I ride Sport?\u2019 he asked as he jumped up and down excitedly, seeing in his request a way to get into the barn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grinned at his little brother and picked up the wriggling child. \u2018Up you go then,\u2019 he said as he placed him in the saddle. Little Joe bounced in the saddle excitedly and clapped his hands. \u2018Make him go Adam,\u2019 he ordered. \u2018Make him go fast!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam held on firmly to the horse\u2019s reins and ignored the little boy\u2019s demands as he led the animal around the yard a couple of times slowly while Little Joe continued to bounce in the saddle. \u2018Keep still or you\u2019ll fall off,\u2019 he said finally.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I won\u2019t fall off,\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018I can ride good.\u2019\u00a0 He grinned as Adam led the animal into the barn, followed by Hoss. \u2018Hey Pa!\u2019 he called out. \u2018Look at me \u2026 I\u2019m on Sport!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben Cartwright looked down from the loft where he\u2019d been hunting the owls that Charlie had mentioned. \u2018You\u2019re back boys,\u2019 he said delightedly. \u2018Any problems?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No Pa,\u2019 replied Adam as he tied up Sport and pulled Little Joe down from the saddle. \u2018Mr Bates said thanks for the loan of the horses.\u00a0 He\u2019ll get them back to us next week.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s fine,\u2019 said Ben as he began to climb down the ladder that led up to the loft.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Did ya get any of them owls Pa?\u2019 asked Hoss with an anxious expression on his face. Ben smiled at his son as he leant his rifle against the wall of the barn and walked towards him.\u00a0 He knew how soft hearted his middle son was and how he would hate to think of any animal suffering. \u2018No son I didn\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018I \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was a sudden bang and Ben slumped forward into the hay on the floor.\u00a0 All three Cartwright boys stood stock still in horror as they watched their father\u2019s fall and witnessed the fallen rifle as it discharged.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa!\u2019 called Adam as he sprang forward towards the man. He knelt in the hay beside his father and held his head in his hands as he bent over him. \u2018Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stood still for a moment, willing the scene before him to change before he realised that it was in fact reality.\u00a0 He took a step forward and watched his older brother kneeling beside his father and swallowed before asking the dreaded question. \u2018Adam?\u2019 he said. \u2018Is he \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head as he lifted his grief-stricken eyes to his brother \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s still breathing. Get help Hoss!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss turned and ran to the doorway.\u00a0 As he opened his mouth to yell he sensed a small movement beside him and glanced over to see Little Joe running towards his father and brother. \u2018Pa!\u2019 yelled the shocked child. \u2018Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss yelled for help before turning back towards his family and running to kneel beside Adam who was trying to hold onto his father and pull his little brother away from him at the same time. \u2018Joe!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018Joe, get back!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe was taking no notice of his eldest brother but continued to yell for his father as he pulled at his clothing.\u00a0 Adam looked up at Hoss anxiously. \u2018Help me get him off him Hoss,\u2019 he begged.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss pulled his younger brother off their father and hugged him to his chest while he whispered in his ear. \u2018Shh,\u2019 he kept saying. \u2018Shh Little Joe \u2026 be quiet!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe wriggled in his brother\u2019s strong grasp.\u00a0 The tears were running down his face and he wasn\u2019t ready to listen to anyone. \u2018No!\u2019 he yelled and kicked out at his brother. \u2018Let go of me Hoss!\u00a0 Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss held his little brother in a tight grip, watching over his shoulder as Adam gently cradled their father\u2019s head in his lap.\u00a0 A noise behind him told him that help was at hand and he watched silently as Adam and Charlie lifted Ben and carried him out of the barn and into the house.\u00a0 He picked up Little Joe and held onto the now hysterical child as he followed them through the crowd of ranch-hands that had gathered outside towards the house.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Someone ride for a doctor!\u2019 he heard Charlie shout as they reached the front door and entered the house. Adam led the way into the guest room and they put Ben down on the bed there as Hop Sing entered the room, his eyes wide.\u00a0 Without a sound he left and was back within moments with an armful of towels and a basin of hot water.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss continued to watch the unreal scene in front of him as Adam peeled back their father\u2019s shirt to reveal a large and bloody bullet wound.\u00a0 They all looked at it silently, except for Little Joe who was still kicking and screaming hysterically at his brother to let him down.\u00a0 Suddenly Charlie strode across the room and held out his hands for the child. \u2018Give him to me Hoss,\u2019 he said to the boy. \u2018You go to your father.\u2019\u00a0 Hoss looked up at the man, the tears running down his cheeks.\u00a0 He nodded and let go of his little brother before going towards the bed and standing next to Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing knelt by the side of the bed and began to press towels onto the wound in Ben\u2019s side.\u00a0 On the bed, their father groaned softly and tried to move away from the pain, but Hop Sing was relentless in applying the pressure and didn\u2019t allow the man to escape from his touch. Adam took a cloth and wet it before putting it on his father\u2019s forehead and wiping it gently. He looked up at Hoss and nodded slightly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Doc Martin will be here soon,\u2019 he said, trying to sound positive. \u2018He\u2019ll help Pa Hoss. You\u2019ll see.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded and wiped the tears from his face with his shirtsleeves.\u00a0 Both brothers looked down at the ashen face of their unconscious father on the bed in silence while behind them, Charlie tried unsuccessfully to soothe the small boy in his arms.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul Martin stood up and wiped his brow before looking across the bed at Hop Sing. \u2018That\u2019s all I can do for now,\u2019 he said. \u2018You stay with him Hop Sing while I talk to the boys.\u2019 Hop Sing nodded and sat down next to the bed, watching Ben\u2019s face intently as the doctor left the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Paul Martin entered the great living room he saw Adam standing in front of the fireplace staring into it.\u00a0 He walked over to the young man, but it wasn\u2019t until he put his hand on his shoulder that Adam looked up as if surprised to see him there. \u2018Doc!\u2019 he said. \u2018How is he?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul looked around before answering. \u2018Where are the boys?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pointed to the sofa where Hoss was slumbering, covered by the Indian blanket that Adam had taken from the railing of the staircase and placed on him. \u2018I didn\u2019t have the heart to wake him up to send him upstairs,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And Little Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He cried himself out a while ago and I put him to bed,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018He\u2019s sound asleep. How\u2019s Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul motioned for Adam to sit down in his father\u2019s easy chair and sat down in front of him on the coffee table. \u2018I\u2019ve taken the bullet out and given him some painkillers,\u2019 he said. \u2018I won\u2019t lie to you Adam \u2026 it doesn\u2019t look at all good.\u2019 The colour drained from Adam\u2019s face as he stared at the doctor silently. \u2018It\u2019s up to God now,\u2019 said Paul, hating to see the look in the young man\u2019s eyes. He patted him on the shoulder. \u2018Why don\u2019t you try and get some sleep?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head silently, his eyes travelling over to where his younger brother lay sleeping on the sofa. \u2018They\u2019re both so young,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018I don\u2019t know how \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at the doctor beseechingly. \u2018With Marie dead less than a year it just isn\u2019t fair Paul.\u00a0 How can this be happening to us?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul shook his head, not sure what to say to the young man.\u00a0 This was the part of his job that he hated.\u00a0 The death-watch.\u00a0 Especially when it was someone whom he admired and respected as much as he did Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 His heart went out to his friend\u2019s motherless sons who would most likely soon be fatherless too.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly there was a slight noise behind them and both men turned to see a small nightshirt-clad figure standing on the bottom step watching them. \u2018What are you doing out of bed?\u2019 asked Adam as he walked over to pick up his little brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe took his thumb out of his mouth and looked into his big brother\u2019s eyes. \u2018I waked up,\u2019 he said simply.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul watched as the young man walked up the stairs with the child in his arms and shook his head.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam was right.\u00a0 It just didn\u2019t seem fair that so much heartache could come to one family like this.\u00a0 First there had been Ben\u2019s first two wives whom Paul had never known and then Marie last year.\u00a0 Now Ben himself.\u00a0 Paul wondered how much more these boys could stand. He turned around as Hoss stirred behind him and began to mutter in his sleep, and pulled the blanket up around the boy while he said a silent prayer for the sons of his friend.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam laid the child on the bed and pulled the blankets up around him.\u00a0 Now try and go back to sleep,\u2019 he said softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe stared up at his brother with wide eyes. \u2018Adam?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Can I sit on your lap for a bit?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam picked up a blanket and wrapped it around the little boy tenderly before picking him up and putting him on his lap as he sat down on the bed.\u00a0 Somehow the feel of his little brother\u2019s small body gave him some much-needed comfort.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe turned his tear-streaked face towards his big brother. \u2018Adam?\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Is Pa dead?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hugged the child to him tightly. \u2018No buddy,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018He isn\u2019t dead.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Is he gonna die?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hesitated. \u2018He didn\u2019t want to lie to the boy, but he hated telling him the truth. \u2018I hope not,\u2019 he said finally.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe wriggled on his brother\u2019s lap and sat up.\u00a0 He peered into Adam\u2019s face intently. \u2018Iffen he does then will he go ta heaven like mama did?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam caught his breath and swallowed before answering. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe began to sob again. \u2018I don\u2019t want Pa to go away ta heaven Adam!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hugged his little brother to his chest and looked up at the night sky as he tried to hold back his own tears. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018Neither do I.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Then why will God take him there?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed. \u2018God takes people to heaven when He wants to,\u2019 he said after a bit of thought. \u2018We don\u2019t really know why.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The doctor said that is was up to God now,\u2019 said the child. \u2018Did he mean that God\u2019s gonna decide iffen Pa goes ta heaven or stays here with us?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed. \u2018I guess he did,\u2019 he admitted.\u00a0 He stared out of the open window at the treetops outside and was quiet with his own thoughts for a moment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m not gonna like God no more iffen he takes Pa ta live with him in heaven,\u2019 declared Little Joe firmly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head \u2018No, you mustn\u2019t say that buddy,\u2019 he said. \u2018We have to love God. Remember when Pa read you that in the Bible?\u2019 Little Joe nodded solemnly. \u2018Pa would want us to keep loving God even if he dies,\u2019 continued Adam. \u2018It\u2019s the right thing to do.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Where is heaven Adam?\u2019 asked Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Heaven?\u00a0 Oh \u2026 its very far away,\u2019 replied his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That picture of heaven in Pa\u2019s Bible has clouds all around it.\u00a0 Is it up in the sky?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged. \u2018I guess so,\u2019 he said vaguely. \u2018No one know exactly where heaven is buddy.\u00a0 We only know that it\u2019s where God lives.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded. \u2018I see,\u2019 he said. \u2018Iffen I pray to God, will he let Pa stay with us and not die and go there?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam swallowed. \u2018Maybe,\u2019 he said. \u2018But maybe not. God does what he knows is best buddy. Sometimes we can\u2019t understand it, but we know that he does it for the best.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe stared out of the window towards the mountains in the west.\u00a0 \u2018Those mountains are very close ta heaven, don\u2019t ya reckon Adam?\u2019 he said softly. \u2018They touch the sky up there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled down at his little brother. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018They sure do.\u00a0 Pa always said that this was God\u2019s own country.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018He did, didn\u2019t he?\u2019 he said excitedly. \u2018I reckon God lives here round here then huh?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes,\u2019 replied Adam. He stood up with his little brother in his arms. \u2018Now you need to get some sleep,\u2019 he said in a tired voice as he laid the child back into his bed. \u2018Try and close your eyes for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Okay,\u2019 said Little Joe and stuck his thumb in his mouth. \u2018Night Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam touched the little boy on the forehead for a moment. \u2018Night buddy,\u2019 he said as turned and left the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe rolled over in bed and stared out of the window at the mountains tops in the distance. \u2018Please make my Pa not die and go to heaven with you God,\u2019 he sobbed. \u2018Are ya listening to me?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He listened intently to the silence around him and then got out of bed again and padded on his little bare feet over to the window.\u00a0 \u2018I reckon you\u2019re too far away up there ta hear me God,\u2019 he said. He turned away from the window, pulled his dresser drawer open and began to rummage through it for his clothes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked up at the night sky and felt the cold wind on his face.\u00a0 He shivered slightly as he felt the touch of snow that was in the air and pulled his coat tighter around him.\u00a0 A couple of stray tears ran down his face and he cursed himself for his weakness as he brushed them away.\u00a0 After all, he didn\u2019t have time to mourn in this way.\u00a0 He needed to be strong as he always had been for his little brothers. He\u2019s always been there for them before when both his stepmothers had died and now \u2026. He caught his breath as the realization of what was about to happen hit him with full force \u2026 and now that Pa was \u2026 He hung his head and gave in to some more tears.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He brushed them away quickly before turning to see Paul Martin standing behind him. \u2018Is Pa \u2026\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul sat down beside the young man. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s still hanging on. I was just worried about you, that\u2019s all.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at the young man beside him and put his hand on his shoulder. \u2018How are you holding up?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged his shoulders. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018I just feel \u2026 so helpless.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul nodded. \u2018We all do,\u2019 he said in a low voice. \u2018Son if there was anything I could do for your father then you know that I\u2019d \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave him a brief smile. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. The two of them sat in silence for a few moments. \u2018It\u2019s just so hard to take Paul,\u2019 said Adam after a while. \u2018First Ma \u2026 Hoss\u2019 Ma that is \u2026 and then Marie.\u00a0 Now Pa.\u2019\u00a0 He hung his head and put his face in his hands. \u2018I just feel so sorry for Hoss and Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018They\u2019re too young to go through all this again.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not to mention you,\u2019 sympathised Paul. Adam was the one he felt most sorry for in all of this.\u00a0 The young man was going to have not only the grief of his father\u2019s death to deal with, but the worry of his two young brothers as well.\u00a0 Paul had watched him less than a year ago shoulder the responsibility of everything when his stepmother had died and he knew that he was dreading having to do it again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u2018I was just up with Little Joe in his room,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s terrified that his Pa is going to leave him like his mama did.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at the doctor.\u00a0 \u2018I remember when I was a little kid and I realised one day that all the other kids had two parents and I just had one,\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa tried to explain it to me, but I still felt different to everyone else.\u00a0 And then Inger came along and filled the gap that I\u2019d always had and I loved her for that. I was just about Little Joe\u2019s age when she died,\u2019 he explained.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I remember after that when Pa would leave me and Hoss with others in the wagon train while he went away hunting or scouting with the other men.\u00a0 I would be so scared that he wasn\u2019t going to come back for us.\u00a0 Even later on when we were settled here and he\u2019d have to go off on trips before Marie arrived to live with us. He\u2019d leave us with neighbours.\u00a0 They were good people, but I was still frightened that he wasn\u2019t ever going to come back and then what would happen to us?\u2019\u00a0 He shook his head. \u2018It scared me so much Paul.\u00a0 I know just how Little Joe is feeling right about now and I hate to think what that little guy up there is going through.\u2019 His chin began to quiver in an uncharacteristic display of emotion and he looked away as he tried to compose himself. \u2018It\u2019s a pointless story I guess,\u2019 he said in a low voice. \u2018Sorry.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul put his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Adam, never apologize for compassion,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018We all need more of it in our lives.\u2019 Adam nodded and wiped his eyes with his sleeve.\u00a0 Paul stood up. \u2018I\u2019ll go and check on your father again,\u2019 he said and walked away to give the young man time to compose himself in private.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned his face once more to the sky and prayed as he had never prayed before.\u00a0 He smiled through his tears as he remembered his little brother saying how he was going to ask God to let their Pa not die and he wished that he had the simple faith of a child right about now.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss yawned as he sat up and stretched.\u00a0 He looked around, surprised to see that he was downstairs in the living room and not up in his bed as usual.\u00a0 Then suddenly the realisation hit him of what had happened.\u00a0 He stood up and looked around anxiously. \u2018Adam?\u2019 he called. \u2018Adam where are ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The door to the guestroom opened and Adam looked out. \u2018Keep your voice down,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked at his big brother anxiously. \u2018How\u2019s Pa?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam wiped his hand over his eyes wearily. \u2018Still the same,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come in if you want to.\u2019\u00a0 He opened the door to allow his brother to enter the room and Hoss saw Hop Sing and Doc Martin sitting across from each other on opposite sides of the bed. His father was lying so still under the blankets, his face ashen and his eyes closed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked over at Adam who put his hand on his young brother\u2019s shoulder and together they stared at their father. \u2018It\u2019s a good sign that he ain\u2019t \u2026 dead yet, ain\u2019t it?\u2019 said Hoss, addressing Paul Martin. \u2018Iffen he was gonna die then he would have by now, don\u2019t ya think so Doc?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul Martin looked at the young boy kindly. \u2018We\u2019ll just have to wait and see Hoss,\u2019 he said and went back to listening to his patient\u2019s heartbeat through his stethoscope.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked at Adam again. \u2018He\u2019s gonna be all right, ain\u2019t he Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tried to smile at his younger brother, but didn\u2019t quite make it.\u00a0 \u2018It\u2019s like the Doc says Hoss,\u2019 he replied. \u2018We\u2019ve just got to wait and see.\u2019\u00a0 He tightened his grip on his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u2018How about going upstairs and getting into some clean clothes?\u2019 he suggested. \u2018You could check on Little Joe for me and get him dressed as well while you\u2019re up there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded and left the room with his head down. Adam sat down again on the chair that he\u2019d vacated and stared at the man in the bed again for a long time while Hop Sing and Paul Martin quietly did things around him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After a few minutes Hoss came back into the room. \u2018Adam?\u2019 he said. \u2018Joe ain\u2019t in his room.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed. \u2018Then find him for me will you Hoss?\u2019 he said. \u2018He might have gone to sleep in one of the other bedrooms.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018He ain\u2019t upstairs at all.\u00a0 I done looked everywhere.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed again. The last thing he needed right about now was trouble with Little Joe. \u2018Okay,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll check down here while you go and look in the barn in case he snuck out there.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up reluctantly and went out into the living room while Hoss left the house. \u2018Joe!\u2019 he called. \u2018Are you down here?\u00a0 Joe?\u2019\u00a0 He walked into the kitchen. \u2018Little Joe?\u00a0 Come out this minute!\u2019\u00a0 He frowned as he realised that the boy was nowhere to be seen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly the kitchen door opened with a bang and Hoss came running into the room. \u2018Adam!\u2019 he said, his eyes wide. \u2018Little Joe\u2019s gone!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What do you mean gone?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018His pony is gone,\u2019 replied Hoss. \u2018And he\u2019s taken some other stuff too!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What other stuff?\u2019 asked Adam, his heart beginning to beat quickly. \u2018Tell me Hoss .. what other stuff?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018A bedroll for a start,\u2019 said Hoss.\u00a0 \u2018His jacket and hat is gone too.\u2019\u00a0 His eyes widened even more. \u2018Where do ya think he\u2019s got to Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stood still and tried to concentrate on his brother\u2019s words. After his sleepless night his brain took a few minutes to register exactly what Hoss was telling him and he shook his head to clear it.\u00a0 He remembered back to his conversation with his little brother the night before with a sinking heart. \u2018I think I know,\u2019 he said softly and looked out of the window towards the mountains in the west.\u00a0 He prayed that the child had only just gone and that it wouldn\u2019t be too hard to catch up with him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at Hoss. \u2018Hoss saddle Sport for me will you?\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m going after him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But Adam \u2026\u2019 began Hoss. \u2018What about \u2026.\u2019 He indicated the spare room where their father lay.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam walked over and put his hands on Hoss\u2019 shoulders. \u2018Listen to me Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve got to get Little Joe back.\u00a0 There\u2019s nothing I can do for Pa right now and he\u2019d want me to go after Joe.\u00a0 You know that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m coming too.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018I need you to stay here Hoss. I can get after Joe much quicker by myself and I\u2019ll have him back here in no time at all.\u00a0 Besides, one of us should stay here, don\u2019t you think?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded reluctantly, torn between his desire to go after his little brother and the need to stay with his father. \u2018Okay Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018But hurry back with him won\u2019t ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I will buddy,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I promise.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe slid down from his pony and bent over to look at the animal\u2019s leg. \u2018What\u2019s the matter boy?\u2019 he said anxiously. \u2018Ya hurt?\u2019\u00a0 The pony looked over his shoulder at his young rider, his left foreleg held up in the air.\u00a0 Little Joe ran his hand down the leg the way he\u2019d seen his father and brothers do when they were examining an injured horse. \u2018Ya got a sore leg have ya?\u2019 he said. \u2018Well that\u2019s too bad fellar.\u2019\u00a0 He straightened up again and patted him on the flank. \u2018Guess you\u2019re gonna haveta go on home now boy,\u2019 he said as he looked up the steep hillside. \u2018Ya can\u2019t go on with a sore leg ya know.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The little boy waved his hand at the pony. \u2018Go on now!\u2019 he said. \u2018Get on back home.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be all right.\u2019\u00a0 The pony didn\u2019t move, but simply stared at the child.\u00a0 Little Joe frowned, picked up a handful of rocks and began to throw them in the direction of the pony \u2026 being careful not to hit him. \u2018Go on home now!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018Go on!\u2019\u00a0 He watched in satisfaction as the pony finally got the message and began to trot back down the way they had come.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe hitched up his pants and put his bedroll over his shoulder before turning and beginning to climb up the steep hillside again.\u00a0 Patches of snow were glistening on the ground around him and he could see his breath as the exertion of the climb made him begin to breathe heavier. He looked upwards and gave a small sigh as he noticed how far away the top of the mountain was, but determinedly kept going.\u00a0 All that he could think of was how he needed to find God so that he could ask him to let his Pa stay with his family and not take him to heaven. If God lived up there at the top of that mountain then that\u2019s where he\u2019d just have to climb to \u2026 no matter how hard it was.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He got to a steep pile of rocks and looked around for a few moments for the best way up. With a determined nod he hitched up his bedroll again and began the slow and laborious ascent to the top of them, being careful not to slip. He began to feel uneasy and felt as if someone was around, so reluctantly he looked up to see a weathered old face glaring down at him from the top of the rocks.\u00a0 Little Joe clung to the side of the rock and stared at the face for a full minute, taking in the long beard, the wild hair and the piercing look in the eyes as the man stared back at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.\u00a0 Instead he felt himself go dizzy and he let go of the rock to put his hand up to his head.\u00a0 The movement cause him to lose his footing and he felt himself slipping downwards.\u00a0 Little Joe cried out as he hit the bottom of the rocks and in a moment had passed out. The man stood still for a moment looking down at the boy and then began to climb down to him, but stopped suddenly and looked into the distance as he spied a rider approaching. With a hard look he fingered the rifle in his hand and withdrew again behind the rocks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rode slowly, checking out his little brother\u2019s pony\u2019s tracks every few minutes.\u00a0 The boy had obviously been out quite a while to have travelled this far and Adam felt his concern for the child growing with every minute.\u00a0 As well as being far from home, the weather wasn\u2019t the best and at this altitude snow was still on the ground and the icy winds blew a chill right through him.\u00a0 Adam tightened his coat around him and pushed his collar up as he squinted into the distance in the hopes of seeing a small boy ahead of him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He really couldn\u2019t believe that the child had got this far already.\u00a0 He sure was one stubborn little cuss and Adam thought about how he would give him a piece of his mind once he\u2019d found him. He knew that the boy was desperately worried about his father and wanted to keep him from dying at all costs, but all he\u2019d really succeeded in doing as far as Adam was concerned was making matters worse. Not only did he have Pa back at the ranch probably dead by now, but he also had the worry of his little brother out here probably in danger of being hurt as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The more he thought about it, the more worried he became and if it hadn\u2019t been for the steepness of the ground and the patches of snow around Adam would have spurred his horse into a faster gait. He heard a sudden noise over to his left and turned to see in amazement his little brother\u2019s pony standing near the shelter of some trees contentedly munching on a small patch of grass.\u00a0 With a rising heart he turned his horse and rode towards it, sliding down from his saddle before he\u2019d even come to a complete stop.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe?\u2019 he called. \u2018Little Joe can you hear me?\u2019\u00a0 There was no response so he turned to the pony and noticed that he was favouring one leg.\u00a0 He patted him absently. \u2018Where\u2019d he go fellar?\u2019 he asked softly. At that moment he heard a yell and caught turned sharply in the direction that he thought it had come from.\u00a0 He caught up the reins of the two animals behind him and walked quickly towards a great pile of rocks, taking care not to stumble into any snowdrifts.\u00a0 As he rounded the corner he was appalled to see his little brother sprawled out on the ground in front of him and dropped the reins as he sprinted over to him and picked him up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Little buddy! He said anxiously as he felt the unconscious child for any breaks. \u2018Little Joe can you hear me?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The little boy moved feebly in his arms and whimpered softly as he held onto him.\u00a0 Adam hugged him tightly to his chest and offered up a prayer of thanks to God that he\u2019d found the child.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Little Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered open and he looked up dizzily into the concerned brown eyes staring down at him. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stroked the child\u2019s face. \u2018No buddy,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018It\u2019s Adam. How are you feeling?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked around at the small fire beside him and tried to focus his eyes. \u2018I gotta headache,\u2019 he said finally, feeling the lump on his head tenderly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll bet you have,\u2019 said Adam as he pushed the little hand away gently. \u2018Don\u2019t touch it. I\u2019ll have to get you back home to Doc Martin and he\u2019ll take a look at that head of yours.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe frowned. \u2018I can\u2019t go back yet,\u2019 he said. \u2018I ain\u2019t talked ta God yet Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u2018You\u2019re doing as you\u2019re told,\u2019 he said firmly as he reached for a cup beside him and held it to the youngster\u2019s mouth. \u2018Here \u2026 drink this.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe sniffed it suspiciously. \u2018What is it?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Coffee.\u00a0 Drink it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The little boy looked up at his brother. \u2018But Pa don\u2019t let me drink coffee,\u2019 he protested.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled. \u2018He won\u2019t mind just this once,\u2019 he replied. \u2018It\u2019s very weak, but its hot and it\u2019ll warm up your tummy before we start back.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe obediently took a sip of the bitter liquid before answering. \u2018I done told ya I ain\u2019t going back yet,\u2019 he said. \u2018I need ta tell God not ta take Pa to heaven yet Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put down the cup and\u00a0 bent down close to his little brother\u2019s face. \u2018I know you want to help buddy,\u2019 he said. \u2018But God isn\u2019t up here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe frowned again. \u2018Yes he is!\u2019 he insisted. \u2018I done saw him already.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hesitated and felt the child\u2019s head again. \u2018Really?\u2019 he said. \u2018What did he look like?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well \u2026\u2019 the little boy thought for a few moments. \u2018He was real old and he had a big beard and long hair just like in Pa\u2019s Bible picture.\u00a0 And he had a tired face.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed. \u2018You didn\u2019t really see God little buddy,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018You just hit your head and then had a dream about him that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No,\u2019 Little Joe insisted. \u2018I did see him Adam. It was before I fell \u2026 not after.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pulled the little boy closer to him and rested him against his lap. \u2018Joe you know the difference between telling the truth and telling a lie don\u2019t you?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded at him, his eyes wide. \u2018But I ain\u2019t telling a lie Adam. Honest!\u00a0 I did see him just like I said.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well \u2026\u2019 Adam hesitated as his little brother stiffened in his arms and stared over his shoulder.\u00a0 He turned sharply to see a man standing behind him with a rifle pointed directly at them both.\u00a0 He reached instinctively for his gun, but stopped as the rifle was raised even further.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t even think about it son,\u2019 the man said. \u2018Now take that gun out and put it on the ground nice and easy like.\u2019\u00a0 He watched carefully as Adam did as he was bid and then picked it up, one finger on the trigger of his rifle as he did so. Adam hugged his little brother to him even tighter, not taking his eyes off the man for an instant. \u2018Now get up,\u2019 instructed the man as he motioned with his rifle. \u2018Hurry up!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stood up slowly, keeping hold of Little Joe and placing him behind him and away from the man. \u2018Who are you?\u2019 he asked. \u2018What do you want with us?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll ask the questions,\u2019 said the man gruffly. Now get hold of that horse and get on up there.\u00a0 If you know what\u2019s good for you, you won\u2019t make any sudden moves or \u2026\u2019 his eyes focused on Little Joe for a moment and Adam swallowed. \u2018Or the you might be sorry,\u2019 the man concluded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grabbed hold of the reins of his horse and held onto Little Joe\u2019s hand firmly as he began to walk up the steep ascent.\u00a0 He was grateful that the child hadn\u2019t opened his mouth or protested in any way, as he wasn\u2019t sure just how serious this man was about hurting them.\u00a0 In fact the little boy seemed to be in awe of the man and simply stared at him with his mouth open as they walked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What are you looking at kid?\u2019 said the man after a while.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You,\u2019 replied Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well don\u2019t!\u2019 he snarled at the child.\u00a0 He motioned with his rifle again and Little Joe felt Adam\u2019s grip tighten on his.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He looked up at his brother. \u2018See Adam?\u2019 he said. \u2018I done told ya I saw him!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked down at his little brother and shook his head. \u2018Shh!\u2019 he said. \u2018Be quiet!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You listen ta him kid,\u2019 said the man behind them. \u2018Now shut up and keep moving if you know what\u2019s good for you son.\u2019\u00a0 Adam quickened his pace, anxious to get wherever they were going as soon as possible, but acutely aware of the child beside him and the responsibility of keeping him safe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After about an hour of walking he felt Little Joe beginning to lag behind and drew to a stop. \u2018The boy needs to rest,\u2019 he said to the man over his shoulder and fel the rifle pushed between his shoulder blades.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I said to keep moving,\u2019 the man snarled at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stood his ground, even though he could feel his heart beating wildly in his chest. \u2018He can\u2019t keep going,\u2019 he said. \u2018At least let me put him on the horse.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man hesitated for a moment. \u2018Hurry up,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hoisted Little Joe up into the saddle and continued to climb the slope, pulling the animal and the child behind him.\u00a0 They went upwards for another half hour before he saw something in the distance and realised with a shock that it was a small cabin. \u2018Over there,\u2019 instructed the man behind him and shoved him in the shoulder blades again with the rifle. \u2018Tie the horse up.\u2019\u00a0 Adam did as he was instructed and pulled Little Joe down from the saddle and held onto him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What now?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man glared at him and motioned inside the cabin. \u2018Get in there,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam entered the small cabin and looked around.\u00a0 It was furnished with some rustic homemade furniture \u2026 a bed, a table and a few odds and ends.\u00a0 \u2018Home sweet home,\u2019 he said sarcastically.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Shut up!\u2019 said the man and pushed him again with the rifle. \u2018Now sit down over there in the corner and keep still.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam walked over to the corner and sat down, pulling Little Joe down beside him and placing him against the wall.\u00a0 He stared at the man, getting his first real look at him. He was just as Little Joe had described him \u2026 long hair and beard \u2026 and an old face, although Adam suspected that he wasn\u2019t as old as he looked. He appeared very weather-beaten and Adam wondered just how long he\u2019d lived way up here.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe stirred beside him and he held onto the child tightly. \u2018Shh!\u2019 he said before the boy could speak.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe wriggled free of his brother\u2019s grasp and sat up straight, looking the man directly in the eye. \u2018I done saw you before I fell,\u2019 he said to the man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man ignored the child and spoke to Adam instead. \u2018What are you doing up here with a kid?\u2019 he said gruffly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018Don\u2019t ya know?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man turned to the boy. \u2018How the hell would I know?\u2019 he said gruffly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But you know everything don\u2019t ya?\u2019 said Little Joe with wide eyes. \u2018You have to.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man looked confused for a moment as he studied the child. \u2018You get on out there and get some wood for the fire,\u2019 he said after a few moments. \u2018Go on \u2026 get!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe made to get up, but Adam pulled him down again. The man levelled the gun directly at the child and Adam loosened his grip on him reluctantly. \u2018Go on Joe,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Be quick and get straight back in here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Okay,\u2019 said Little Joe happily.\u00a0 He was eager to do anything that God told him if it meant helping him to make the right decision about his Pa.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Both men watched as the child left the cabin and the man sat down on a chair and rested the rifle against the top of the table as he stared at Adam. He picked up a jug and took the stopper off with his teeth before taking a swig of it. \u2018You\u2019re a tough kind ain\u2019t ya?\u2019 he said after a while.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stared back at the man. \u2018No,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure ya are,\u2019 the man insisted. \u2018You have to be to survive in this country. You\u2019re all tough kids.\u2019\u00a0 He motioned with his finger to the door. \u2018That kid your brother?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man nodded and took another swig of his whisky. \u2018Thought so,\u2019 he said. \u2018Well?\u00a0 What you doing all the way up here with a youngun like that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was silent for a moment. \u2018I was looking for him,\u2019 he said finally. \u2018He ran off.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man made a face. \u2018I see,\u2019 he said. \u2018Unfortunate for you that he ran this way then, ain\u2019t it?\u2019\u00a0 He chuckled as if he\u2019d made a huge joke and took another swig of his whisky.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Who are you?\u2019 asked Adam feeling that he might be able to get the man talking and distract him long enough to get hold of the rifle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man stared at him for a moment. \u2018Ya don\u2019t know?\u2019 he asked. Adam shook his head. \u2018Name\u2019s Tom Cain,\u2019 the man said, watching the young man intently to see if there was any reaction to his statement.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t disappointed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam jerked. \u2018Tom Cain!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ya heard of me ain\u2019t ya?\u2019 said Tom gruffly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stared at the man. \u2018You\u2019re supposed to be dead!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well I ain\u2019t is I?\u2019 said Tom with another chuckle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Summit Ridge massacre,\u2019 mused Adam, half to himself.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s right,\u2019 replied Tom, leaning forward. \u2018Summit Ridge massacre.\u00a0 You heard of it ain\u2019t ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Everyone round these parts knows about Summit Ridge massacre,\u2019 replied Adam with a sneer at the man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom took another swig of the drink. \u2018Yeah I guess they do,\u2019 he acknowledged. \u2018Damn government!\u00a0 They put a price on our heads after that night ya know.\u00a0 As if we did anything wrong.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019d call killing all those innocent people wrong,\u2019 said Adam with a hard look at the man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom looked confused for a moment. \u2018People?\u2019 he said. \u2018They weren\u2019t people boy \u2026 they was injuns.\u2019\u00a0 He leant back in his chair and looked at the ceiling for a moment. \u2018We rode in that night and killed the lot of em,\u2019 he said. \u2018All the braves as well as the squaws and kids.\u2019\u00a0 He gave Adam a hard look. \u2018Don\u2019t look at me like that,\u2019 he said. \u2018It weren\u2019t no different than killing young wolf cubs after all.\u00a0 We figured we\u2019d get em while they was young \u2026 before they had the chance ta grow into young bucks and start killing themselves.\u2019\u00a0 He turned sharply as Little Joe came back into the room with an armful of woods. \u2018Put it down over there kid,\u2019 he said as he fingered his rifle.\u00a0 Adam went cold as the man looked at his little brother and he took the opportunity to slowly reach for a log of wood next to the fire as Tom watched the boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Go on,\u2019 said Tom gruffly. \u2018Give me an excuse ta kill you.\u2019\u00a0 Adam immediately withdrew his hand. \u2018I\u2019m going to anyway,\u2019 said the man. \u2018You\u2019re just saving me the time ta get drunk enough ta do it is all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam swallowed. \u2018Little Joe, come on over here,\u2019 he said and pulled the boy towards him.\u00a0 He placed him against the wall again and held him tightly to him as Tom once again took a swallow of his whiskey.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy Coffee dismounted in the front yard and looked at the house for a few moments before tying up his horse.\u00a0 He hated to think what might be going in there and it was with a great deal of dread that he approached the front door and knocked on it.\u00a0 It was opened by Hoss and after one long look at his father\u2019s friend the boy flung himself into the man\u2019s arms and began to sob.\u00a0 Roy held him for a few moments and allowed him to cry out his grief before speaking. \u2018I came as soon as I heard,\u2019 he said gently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded and wiped his eyes on his shortsleeves before replying. \u2018Doc Martin and Hop Sing is in with Pa in the front room,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The sheriff took off his hat and put it on the credenza before putting his arm around the boy and walking with him into the guest room off the dining room.\u00a0 One look at Ben in the bed was enough to tell him that the reports he\u2019d heard hadn\u2019t been exaggerated and his heart constricted at the sight of the pale and unconscious man.\u00a0 He nodded to Hop Sing and then glanced over at Paul Martin. \u2018Has he regained consciousness at all?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul shot a look at Hoss before shaking his head.\u00a0 Hop Sing stood up and walked over over to the boy. \u2018Come with me,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018We go get more towels for your Papa.\u2019\u00a0 Hoss nodded and followed the man out of the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m glad you\u2019re here,\u2019 said Paul as Roy sat down on the opposite side of the bed and stared down at his friend.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why?\u2019 Roy said. \u2018Don\u2019t look like there\u2019s much that can be done.\u00a0 Leastways nothing that I can do.\u00a0 You\u2019re the doctor Paul.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul shook his head. \u2018I don\u2019t mean for Ben,\u2019 he said sadly, giving the man in between them a sad look. \u2018There\u2019s not much hope at all I\u2019m afraid. \u2018No \u2026 I meant Adam and Little Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy looked around. \u2018Where is Adam?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Little Joe took off last night,\u2019 explained Paul. \u2018Adam went after him this morning and they haven\u2019t got back yet Roy.\u00a0 I\u2019m worried for them .. and for that boy out there.\u00a0 He\u2019s nearly beside himself with grief for his father and now his brothers are missing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam\u2019s a sensible young man,\u2019 said Roy. \u2018I\u2019m sure he\u2019s fine.\u2019\u00a0 He hesitated. \u2018But maybe I\u2019d better get a few men and go after them just in case.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up and touched Ben lightly on the shoulder and gave him a mournful look. \u2018I\u2019ll get Charlie and a few of the others and get on after the boy.\u2019\u00a0 He turned away.\u00a0 \u2018Don\u2019t worry Paul.\u00a0 I\u2019ll bring them back safely.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul nodded and went back to staring at Ben again as the sheriff shut the door quietly. \u2018Sleep well old friend,\u2019 he murmured sadly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What are ya looking at kid?\u2019 said Tom gruffly as he watched Little Joe staring at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You,\u2019 said the child. He shut his eyes and joined his hands together.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom watched him, amazed. \u2018What the hell are ya doing now?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe opened his eyes and stared at the man with a stricken look on his face. \u2018Don\u2019t you know?\u2019 he said anxiously. \u2018Didn\u2019t ya hear me?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hear ya say what?\u2019 asked Tom crossly. The child wasn\u2019t making any sense as far as he was concerned.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I was praying to you,\u2019 explained the child. \u2018I was asking you to make my Pa better.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom looked confused. \u2018I don\u2019t even know ya Pa kid,\u2019 he said. \u2018Shut up.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe got to his feet and approached the man before Adam could reach out and stop him. \u2018Joe!\u2019 he called. \u2018Get back here!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe ignored his brother and continued to walk towards Tom. \u2018You do so know my Pa,\u2019 he said to the man. \u2018Are you gonna take him to live with ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom stared at the child for a few moments. \u2018What on earth is the brat talking about?\u2019 he asked Adam crossly. \u2018Make him shut up will ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe leant on the table and stared at the man. \u2018Can you please let him live with us instead?\u2019 he pleaded. \u2018We don\u2019t want him to live with you in heaven.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom laughed. \u2018I ain\u2019t going ta heaven fer a long time yet kid,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked relieved. \u2018You ain\u2019t?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom shook his head. \u2018Nuh,\u2019 he said. \u2018Heaven\u2019s not gonna get me fer a mighty long time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked confused. \u2018But don\u2019t you live there?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom shook his head \u2018The brat\u2019s crazy,\u2019 he said. \u2018What\u2019s he on about?\u2019 he asked Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave the man a dark look. \u2018Our Pa was hurt in an accident,\u2019 he said. \u2018My brother was up here looking for God to ask for his help to save him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom gave the young man an incredulous look. \u2018And he thinks I\u2019m God?\u2019 he said in disbelief and then threw back his head and gave a great roar of laughter. \u2018Well I\u2019ll be!\u2019 he said. \u2018What do ya know?\u00a0 Me \u2026 God!\u2019\u00a0 He looked down at the trusting child in front of him and then over at the young man in the corner. \u2018Well in a way I guess he\u2019s right, ain\u2019t he?\u2019 he said. \u2018I do have the power of life and death over both of ya don\u2019t I? I guess that makes me God in a way don\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave the man a withering look. \u2018That\u2019d take a great stretch of the imagination,\u2019 he said contemptuously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom glared at him and fingered the rifle in his hands. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said with a snarl. \u2018Seems about right to me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe continued to stare at Tom with trust in his eyes. \u2018Well?\u2019 he said after a while. \u2018Are you gonna save my Pa? Please God?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom gave another chuckle as if the idea really amused him. \u2018Tell ya what kid,\u2019 he said, bending forward and putting his face close to Little Joe\u2019s. \u2018I\u2019ll save ya Pa on one condition.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018What?\u2019 he breathed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Cain!\u2019 said Adam from the corner. \u2018Stop it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom gave Adam a hard look. \u2018You shut up!\u2019 he said. \u2018I just having a little fun with the kid is all.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to Little Joe again. \u2018I\u2019m gonna give ya a little test,\u2019 he said. \u2018If ya pass it, then I\u2019ll save ya Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe swallowed, his eyes wide. \u2018What iffen I don\u2019t pass it?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom shrugged, the amusement clear in his eyes. \u2018Well then I can\u2019t help ya Pa,\u2019 he said simply. \u2018It\u2019s up ta you kid \u2026 ya wanna try?\u2019 Little Joe swallowed again and slowly nodded his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Cain!\u2019 said Adam again. \u2018Tell the boy you\u2019re lying!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom shot another dark look at Adam. \u2018Well I ain\u2019t exactly lying,\u2019 he explained to Little Joe. \u2018Like I told ya kid \u2026 it\u2019s a test. Okay?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded again, his eye wide with fear at the thought of what his test might be, but knowing that he\u2019d be willing to do anything to save his Pa.\u00a0 At that moment there was a sound outside the cabin and Tom turned sharply and jerked his finger on the trigger of his rifle. \u2018Get back there in the corner!\u2019 he ordered the boy as he strode over to the window.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam reached for Little Joe with one hand and the log of wood next to him with the other, but he wasn\u2019t quick enough.\u00a0 Tom turned in an instant and hit him over the head with the end of the rifle, sending him crashing down into the corner. He strode over and pointed the barrel of the gun directly into Adam\u2019s unconscious face, but Little Joe reached up and held onto his arm. \u2018No!\u2019 he cried. \u2018You can\u2019t do that!\u00a0 You\u2019re God!\u00a0 You can\u2019t kill my brother!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom Cain hesitated for a few seconds, looking down into the trusting face of the small child beside him.\u00a0 He shoved Little Joe aside and said gruffly, \u2018You look after him then kid,\u2019 before picking up another gun and running from the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe stared after him and then knelt down on the ground next to his unconscious brother. \u2018Adam?\u2019 he said anxiously. \u2018Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam groaned as he began to come back to consciousness.\u00a0 Little Joe smiled with relief as he realised that his brother wasn\u2019t dead and then stood up again. \u2018I gotta go after him Adam,\u2019 he explained. \u2018I ain\u2019t done the test yet.\u00a0 Iffen I don\u2019t then he might still take Pa ta heaven with him.\u2019\u00a0 He ran from the room quickly, banging the door behind him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy Coffee held the canteen close to Adam\u2019s mouth and watched in satisfaction as the young man drank a few swallows. \u2018That\u2019s it,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019ll feel better if you get some water into you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked up at the man and struggled to sit up. \u2018I \u2026 I have to get going Roy,\u2019 he said. \u2018Little Joe \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy pushed him down onto the bed again. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019ve already told us. You\u2019re in no fit state to go after the boy Adam … you leave it to us.\u2019\u00a0 He covered him with a blanket. \u2018Now I want you to just lie still until we come back for you \u2026 and don\u2019t worry. We\u2019ll get the boy.\u2019\u00a0 He gave the young man a worried look before leaving the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sat up as he heard the horses outside leaving.\u00a0 His head was pounding, but it was nothing to the pounding in his heart as he thought about Little Joe out there somewhere with Tom Cain and what that might mean for the child.\u00a0 He held his hand to his head as he swung his feet to the ground and tried to stand up.\u00a0 For a few moments he thought he wasn\u2019t going to make it, but after leaning against the wall for a while the dizzy feeling gradually stopped and he felt stronger.\u00a0 Slowly he made his way to the front door and left the cabin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked up for the tenth time at the figure of the man in front of him. \u2018Wait!\u2019 he called. \u2018Wait God \u2026 I\u2019m coming with ya!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom Cain turned again and glared at the small boy. \u2018Get away from me kid!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018Go back where ya belong.\u2019\u00a0 He scanned the horizon anxiously and saw the distant figure of the men that he\u2019d seen earlier from the cabin window and then began to climb the steep slope again, hearing to his dismay that the child was still following him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom climbed until he reached a section in the rock face that he\u2019d discovered long ago.\u00a0 It formed a natural fortress against anyone who might try to make their way up here, as he had a clear view of the ground below him as well as the protection of the rock above him.\u00a0 He reached for the box of shells that he\u2019d stashed there long ago and checked both guns, regretting that there would be the need for more killing this day.\u00a0 Suddenly he heard a small sound beside him and looked up in irritation to see Little Joe standing there. \u2018What the hell are you doing here?\u2019 he shouted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The child flinched, but stood his ground. \u2018I ain\u2019t done my test yet,\u2019 he said. \u2018You ain\u2019t told me what it is!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom shook his head in irritation at the stubborn child and pushed him aside onto the rock behind him. \u2018You stay there,\u2019 he said gruffly. \u2018And don\u2019t move.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes God,\u2019 said Little Joe obediently and sat down on the rock as he\u2019d been told to do.\u00a0 He watched as Tom continued to check and load both guns. \u2018What ya gonna do with them?\u2019 he asked tentatively. \u2018Are they part of the test?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom ignored the boy and scanned the view below for any sign of the men who\u2019d been following him. He watched in dismay as they dismounted form their horses and pointed up towards him, before taking up their positions behind some rocks. \u2018Get outta here!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018I\u2019ve got the boy!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Down below, Roy Coffee\u2019s heart froze at the sound of the man\u2019s words. \u2018What are we gonna do Roy?\u2019 whispered Charlie beside him. \u2018Form what Adam told us he won\u2019t hesitate to kill the boy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy nodded \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018Guess we\u2019ll just have to wait it out for a while and hope that he uses up all his ammunition.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Charlie scanned the area. \u2018How about I go back down and try to get up behind him on the other side of the slope?\u2019 he suggested.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy shook his head \u2018You\u2019ll never make it,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019d spot you before you got halfway up there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Charlie sighed. \u2018Well we just can\u2019t leave the boy up there with him,\u2019 he said. \u2018We don\u2019t have much choice Roy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy nodded. \u2018I guess you\u2019re right,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll give you five minutes to get into position and then we\u2019ll open fire and try to distract him. He patted the man on the arm. \u2018Good luck,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You too,\u2019 said Charlie with a determined look before turning away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy signalled to the others and then checked his gun as he waited.\u00a0 Suddenly he lifted his head as he heard a noise and to his dismay he saw Adam running past him and up the slope towards Tom and Little Joe. \u2018Adam!\u2019 he called out, but the young man kept running, concern for his little brother the only thing in his head and blocking out everything else.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy signalled to the other men to fire as a volley of bullets rained down on them from up above.\u00a0 As he fired his gun over and over again at the top of the slope his heart was in his mouth as the son of his friend ran amongst the bullets from the top of the slope that miraculously fell around him without finding their mark.\u00a0 He prayed that the shots were giving Charlie the cover he needed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Up above, Tom Cain fired over and over again at the young man running towards him.\u00a0 Suddenly he felt a tug on his arm and turned to see Little Joe clinging to him desperately. \u2018No!\u2019 the boy cried. \u2018That\u2019s my brother down there God!\u00a0 Don\u2019t shoot at him!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom flung the child off and stood up to aim the rifle directly at Adam as he came towards him.\u00a0 Suddenly there was a loud shot from behind and he was flung forward onto the ground, blood oozing from his back.\u00a0 Little Joe looked up in horror at Charlie standing on the rock above him and then stared down at Tom again.\u00a0 Tears began to fall from his eyes and he sobbed uncontrollably. \u2018You killed God!\u2019 he shouted to Charlie. \u2018You killed God Charlie!\u00a0 Now my Pa will die!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Charlie stared down at the child and then at the man on the ground in silence.\u00a0 He signalled to Roy that all was well and watched as Adam ran towards his brother and grabbed him in a hug. \u2018Are you all right?\u2019 he heard the young man gasp out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe squirmed out from his brother\u2019s embrace. \u2018Charlie killed God!\u2019 he sobbed, the tears falling down his cheeks. \u2018He killed God Adam and now Pa is gonna die fer sure!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tom Cain raised his head slightly from the ground as he heard the child\u2019s words. \u2018No kid!\u2019 he said weakly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe and Adam turned towards the man as Tom mustered the strength to raise his head even further. \u2018It ain\u2019t true!\u2019 he said. \u2018Listen ta me kid.\u2019 Little Joe stared at the man on the ground. \u2018I ain\u2019t God kid,\u2019 Tome said feebly. \u2018And I ain\u2019t got nothing ta do with whether or not ya Pa lives.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe sniffed and buried his face into Adam\u2019s shoulder as his brother held him close and Tom locked eyes with Adam for a moment before closing them with a sigh. Adam swallowed as the life went out of the man in front of him and he hugged his sobbing little brother to him tightly.\u00a0 He looked up at Charlie for a moment and then beyond him to the clear blue sky at the top of the mountain. \u2018He couldn\u2019t save Pa!\u2019 sobbed Little Joe into his shoulder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018But he may just have saved himself.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul Martin watched as the men rode into the front yard.\u00a0 He put his hand on Hoss\u2019 shoulder as he stood beside him and smiled down at the boy. \u2018You tell them,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss leapt forward and ran towards Adam\u2019s horse. \u2018Adam!\u2019 he said excitedly as his brother dismounted and reached up to pull down Little Joe as well from his position on the front of the saddle. \u2018Pa \u2026. He\u2019s awake!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stared at is younger brother. \u2018What?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019s awake Adam. He waked up bout an hour ago,\u2019 said Hoss excitedly. \u2018Doc Martin says it\u2019s a miracle!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stared over his brother\u2019s shoulder at the doctor who smiled and nodded his head at him. \u2018Yes son,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018It is.\u00a0 He stirred about an hour ago and all the signs are looking good.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss tugged at his brother\u2019s arm. \u2018Come on,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come and see him.\u2019\u00a0 Adam allowed himself to be led forward, one arm holding Little Joe who was perched on his hip with his head cuddled in against his shoulder and his little arms clinging tightly to his neck. He entered the house as if in a daze and allowed Hoss to pull him into the spare room where his father was lying in bed watching them with a smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa.\u2019 Adam said softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben held his hand out weakly towards his boys. \u2018Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hoss \u2026 come on over here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sat on the edge of the bed and stared at the man in disbelief while Hoss knelt beside him, a grin plastered all over his face. Ben smiled up at them both and then touched Little Joe on the leg. \u2018Joseph,\u2019 he said softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe lifted his head and looked at his father in disbelief. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said. Ben smiled at him and the child\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018Ya didn\u2019t go ta heaven Pa,\u2019 whispered Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled weakly. \u2018No I didn\u2019t go to heaven son,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m staying here with the three of you.\u2019 Little Joe beamed through his tears and looked up at Adam.\u00a0 Adam hugged him close as he smiled back at his little brother and Hoss laid his head on his father\u2019s arm contentedly.\u00a0 Ben sighed as he smiled at his three boys and offered up a silent prayer of thanks to God.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\n<\/em><\/strong>\u2018All Ye His Saints\u2019
\n<\/em><\/strong>by William Blinn <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nThe End<\/span><\/h1>\n