Summary:\u00a0 A faith healer comes to town and causes problems for Dr. Martin and the Cartwrights.
\nRating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (14,600 words)<\/p>\n
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\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>Thanks for the idea Lisa!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em>\u2018It\u2019ll be nice to see Paul tonight,\u2019 said Adam as he sat down in his favourite chair in front of the fireplace and made himself comfortable. \u2018Any particular reason why you\u2019ve invited him to dinner Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa hasn\u2019t lost a game of chess in a while,\u2019 piped up Little Joe with a grin. \u2018He reckons it\u2019s about time he did.\u2019\u00a0 He giggled at his own wit.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben tried to look stern, but failed miserably as his eyes were twinkling behind his frown. \u2018That is enough from you young man,\u2019 he said, trying not to laugh. \u2018I\u2019ll have you know that Paul and I are evenly matched when it comes to our chess playing.\u2019 Joe\u2019s expression showed clearly that he didn\u2019t believe it, but he said nothing. \u2018I invited him for two reasons,\u2019 Ben went on. \u2018Firstly because he hasn\u2019t been out here for a while and he enjoys Hop Sing\u2019s cooking so much.\u00a0 And the second reason is because he\u2019s been a having a rough time of it lately.\u00a0 I thought that some company might do him good.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How do you mean a rough time Pa?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019s lost a few patients in the last couple of weeks,\u2019 explained his father. \u2018First there was Bertha Parks and her baby and then Bert Willis.\u00a0 Also, the cases of influenza out at the Chandler mine have him worried I know.\u00a0 He\u2019s tried to help those poor men, but a Doctor can only do so much.\u2019\u00a0 He shook his head. \u2018There have been far too many deaths out there lately.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But Pa,\u2019 interrupted Joe. \u2018None of those things was his fault.\u00a0 Doc Martin can\u2019t help it if people die.\u00a0 Not if he\u2019s done his best for em.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know that son,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018And so does Paul.\u00a0 \u2018But it must prey on his mind even so.\u00a0 Being a Doctor would be a very emotionally draining thing for anyone at the best of times, and I suspect that Paul feels the loss of each patient more than any of us realise.\u2019\u00a0 He turned sharply as there was a knock on the door. \u2018Ah!\u00a0 Here he is now.\u2019 They all looked at Joe, who sighed before standing up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t see why I\u2019m always the one having to do this,\u2019 he muttered as he walked to the door and opened it. \u2018Hi Doc Martin,\u2019 he said politely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hello Joseph,\u2019 replied the Doctor as he entered the room and took off his coat. \u2018I haven\u2019t been called out to see you in a while.\u00a0 Been feeling all right? Maybe I\u2019d better give you a check up while I\u2019m here.\u2019 He winked at the others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned instantly. \u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 he said anxiously. \u2018Ain\u2019t no need to give me a check up!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul slapped the youngster on the back. \u2018I\u2019m only joking with you,\u2019 he said. \u2018I know that you\u2019re fine.\u2019 He held out his hand to Ben. \u2018Nice to see you again old friend,\u2019 he said. \u2018Thank you for inviting me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m glad you could come Paul,\u2019 said Ben as he motioned for the man to sit down.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019d never turn down one of Hop Sing\u2019s home-cooked meals,\u2019 said the Doctor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well it\u2019ll be a while yet,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He\u2019s still rattling pots and pans out there in the kitchen. Let\u2019s have a brandy while we wait.\u2019\u00a0 He motioned to Joe again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe walked over to where the table where the brandy and the glasses were and began pouring five drinks. He muttered under his breath as he did so. \u2018Always me that has to do the fetching and carrying.\u2019\u00a0 As he handed the drinks around, he noticed his father raise an eyebrow at the fifth drink that was left on the table and gave him a weak smile as a form of request.\u00a0 Ben hesitated before nodding slightly and Joe happily sat down with the brandy glass in his hand.\u00a0 It was always a battle to get his father to understand that he was grown up now and should be included in the drinking like everyone else.\u00a0 After all, he was sixteen, had left school now and was a full-time working man. It seemed to Joe sometimes that the only time his Pa seemed to condone alcohol for him was when he was sick!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sat forward in his chair and spoke to Paul. \u2018How are things out at the Chandler mine?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Any new cases?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul sighed. \u2018Not in the last couple of days,\u2019 he said. \u2018I just wish that I could help those poor men more who\u2019ve already come down with it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018They bad?\u2019 asked Hoss sympathetically.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul nodded. \u2018We\u2019ve tried to isolate them in one of the buildings,\u2019 he explained. \u2018I\u2019ve made them as comfortable as I can, but there\u2019s not much that can be done for them apart from trying to keep their temperatures down.\u2019\u00a0 He sighed again. \u2018Maybe one day we\u2019ll have drugs that can help, but until then \u2026\u2019 He shook his head. \u2018Sometimes a Doctor\u2019s life is hard.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded sympathetically. \u2018Is there anything we can do?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul smiled at the man. \u2018The supplies you sent over were more than enough Ben,\u2019 he said. \u2018I just wish that I could get them into town and keep a closer eye on them there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We could help transport them,\u2019 said Adam quickly. \u2018There\u2019s no need why they can\u2019t stay in town is there?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul nodded. \u2018Well yes there is,\u2019 he said. \u2018A number of people have already made it very clear to me that they don\u2019t want them in there,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think there would be a general uprising in town if I tried to relocate them.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That ain\u2019t right!\u2019 declared Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018They\u2019re scared Hoss,\u2019 said the Doctor calmly. \u2018I can understand it.\u00a0 No one wants an epidemic on our hands, least of all me. No \u2026 I\u2019ll just continue to ride out there each day.\u00a0 It\u2019s the best way.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It makes your life harder though,\u2019 said Adam.\u00a0 He studied the man carefully. \u2018You look awfully tired Paul.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul gave him a thin smile. \u2018I am,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018I find that things happen this way usually. \u2018Either I\u2019ve got nothing to do for ages, or I\u2019m inundated with one case after another.\u00a0 At the moment I\u2019m run off my feet.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well you have to look after yourself in all of this,\u2019 said Ben firmly. \u2018The people round here need you and we can\u2019t afford for anything to happen to you.\u00a0 Besides, we care too much about you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul smiled at him. \u2018Thank you for saying that Ben,\u2019 he said. \u2018Sometimes I feel that people round here take my skills for granted. I suppose that\u2019s just human nature though.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled as Hop Sing entered the room. \u2018Ah!\u00a0 It looks as though we may be ready to eat?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing grinned around at them all. \u2018Dinner is ready!\u201d he announced. \u2018Doctor come sit at table now?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank you Hop Sing,\u2019 replied Paul as he followed Ben to the table. \u2018I\u2019m really looking forward to this.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ===============<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How about it Adam?\u2019 asked Joe hopefully. \u2018We finished all the supplies and it\u2019s darned hot!\u2019\u00a0 He took his hat off and wiped his forehead on his shirtsleeve for effect, just in case his older brother missed the point of his question. Adam didn\u2019t say anything, but continued to count the sacks on the back of the buckboard, so Joe looked at Hoss and nudged him impatiently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Um \u2026 yeah Adam,\u2019 added Hoss helpfully. \u2018I reckon we could all do with a drink.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Would you two just stop carrying on?\u2019 said Adam impatiently. \u2018I have every intention of \u2026\u2019 He stopped as he spied the unusual wagon that was rattling down the street behind where his two brothers stood.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Every intention of what?\u2019 asked Joe hopefully, oblivious to his brother\u2019s distraction. \u2018Of having a drink?\u2019 he said hopefully. \u2018Cause if that\u2019s the case then \u2026\u2019 He stopped and turned as he noticed the frown on Adam\u2019s face. \u2018What\u2019s that?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No idea,\u2019 replied Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes lit up with a look that his brothers knew only too well. \u2018Well let\u2019s find out then,\u2019 he said gleefully and sprang over the hitching rail before either of them could say another word.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe!\u2019 called out Adam. \u2018Come back here!\u2019\u00a0 He sighed as he realised that his brother was already halfway down the street.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head. \u2018So much for that drink,\u2019 he muttered. \u2018I spose we\u2019ll have to get him now.\u2019\u00a0 He trudged off after his younger brother, followed by Adam. \u2018What do ya reckon it is Adam?\u2019 he asked over his shoulder as his brother caught up to him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Looks like some sort of travelling show,\u2019 said Adam, watching the wagon keenly.\u00a0 It was garishly painted with words written down one side.\u00a0 Unfortunately they were too far away to read them properly.\u00a0 By the time they caught up with Little Joe, their younger brother had elbowed his way into the crowd that had formed and was standing open-mouthed reading them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hey look at this!\u2019 he said as his two brothers came to stand on either side of him. \u2018Jeremiah\u2019s Pains Killers<\/em>,\u2019 he read on the side of the wagon. \u2018He must be a Doctor, don\u2019t ya reckon?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Highly unlikely,\u2019 sniffed Adam. \u2018No Doctor goes around advertising like that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Very true,\u2019 said a voice beside him and all three Cartwrights turned to see Paul Martin standing there in the crowd.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What do ya make of it then Doc?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before the Doctor could open his mouth, a man appeared from behind the wagon and jumped up onto the seat at the front. \u2018Friends!\u2019 he called out as he waved his hands around. \u2018I bring great news for you!\u2019\u00a0 There was a murmur through the crowd and several people pressed closer.\u00a0 Joe looked around in great delight.\u00a0 As far as he was concerned, anything new that promised to liven up their town was a good thing in his eyes. He smiled broadly and nudged Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I still reckon he\u2019s a Doctor,\u2019 he whispered. \u2018Stand to reason, what with that stuff bout pain killers and all.\u00a0 Don\u2019t ya reckon Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss waved his arm away impatiently. \u2018Shh!\u2019 he said. \u2018Listen.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The crowd went silent as the man spoke again. \u2018Jeremiah is the name,\u2019 he said, smiling broadly at them all. \u2018Jeremiah Godfrey to be precise.\u00a0 And I\u2019ve come to your fair town to be at your service good people.\u00a0 I bring with me the answers to all your aches and pains.\u00a0 Yes good people, never again will you need to suffer the agonies of toothache\u2026. Never again will headaches plague you \u2026 never again will you be at a loss as to how to help your children when they are suffering their childhood ailments. I promise freedom from all your aches and pains.\u2019\u00a0 He picked up a bottle and tapped it. \u2018Right here,\u2019 he said. \u2018The answer to all your prayers is right here in this bottle of painkiller.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A man in the crowd laughed. \u2018Yeah right!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018One bottle cures all eh?\u2019\u00a0 Several other people laughed with him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah turned to face the man. \u2018No indeed my good man,\u2019 he said firmly. \u2018One bottle does not cure all.\u00a0 This bottle is for many problems, however if you want a cure-all, I can provide it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u2019 said the man. \u2018What?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah pointed to the sky. \u2018Faith!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018Faith is all it takes my good people!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Faith in you?\u2019 shouted the man with a sneer. \u2018Yeah right!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah glared at him and shook his head vehemently. \u2018No!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018Not faith in me!\u00a0 Faith in the almighty Lord!\u2019\u00a0 The crowd stilled and Adam looked at Paul Martin and raised an eyebrow. \u2018Consider me the instrument of his work,\u2019 continued Jeremiah. He lowered his voice so that everyone had to strain to hear it. \u2018I cannot tell you why,\u2019 he said. \u2018But the Almighty Lord has favoured me with the ability to be his instrument.\u00a0 Through me he has done truly wonderful things.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u2019 sneered another man in the crowd. \u2018Like what?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I am not surprised that you would be cynical my dear man,\u2019 Jeremiah replied. \u2018However I can assure you that it is true. I have the power of healing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So we\u2019re supposed to take your word on it?\u2019 said a woman. \u2018Sounds pretty lame to me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018By all means you have the right to question,\u2019 said Jeremiah. \u2018All I can say is that I am willing to prove my worth to you.\u00a0 Just name the time and place.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I reckon it\u2019s just a scam ta sell that there medicine you have!\u2019 sneered the first man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Then you need to be convinced don\u2019t you?\u2019 said Jeremiah. \u2018Tell me how I can convince you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Cure someone who\u2019s sick!\u2019 shouted the man and everyone began to murmur again. \u2018Go on \u2026 cure someone!\u2019 he shouted again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah put up his hand to silence everyone. \u2018All in good time,\u2019 he said with a smile. \u2018I invite all of you to a demonstration tonight.\u00a0 I will be camped down by the river.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Who ya gonna cure?\u2019 shouted a woman.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Whoever decides to come forward,\u2019 said Jeremiah with a smile.\u00a0 He sat down and hitched up the reins of his wagon and the crowd parted as he continued to drive down the street.\u00a0 As he disappeared around the corner everyone began to drift away, still murmuring about his words.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Presently there were only the three Cartwrights and Paul Martin left. \u2018Well?\u2019 said Adam. \u2018What did you think Paul?\u00a0 He seems the usual sort of charlatan to me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul shook his head and frowned. \u2018I don\u2019t know Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018It depends on who he supposedly cures<\/em> tonight.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Huh?\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018What do ya mean Doc?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well Hoss usually people such as this have plants in the audience \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Plants?\u2019 asked Joe, puzzled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018People who are set up to be there and fake an illness,\u2019 explained Adam. \u2018He will probably have someone do that tonight and then supposedly cure<\/em> them to impress everyone.\u2019\u00a0 He turned again to Paul. \u2018You look a bit puzzled Paul,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well you must admit that he left his options open,\u2019 said Paul with a shrug. \u2018He said that he\u2019d cure anyone who came along. He\u2019s either very sure of himself or he\u2019s bluffing that no one except his own plant will be here.\u2019\u00a0 He shrugged again. \u2018Either way it\u2019s bound to be the same sort of rubbish that it usually is.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019ve seen it before then Doc?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not him specifically,\u2019 explained Paul. \u2018But many others of his kind.\u2019\u00a0 He shook his head. \u2018I just hope that he\u2019s not too good at selling his own supposed powers here.\u00a0 That sort of thing can do a lot of damage.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How do you mean?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Getting everyone believing in his so-called powers and that medicine \u2026 well I can assure you that it\u2019ll be nothing more than a few herbs thrown together \u2026 getting people all riled up like that can mean that they may disregard proper medical help when they might need it.\u2019\u00a0 He shook his head again. \u2018Well hopefully this demonstration won\u2019t go well and Mr Jeremiah Godfrey will move on quickly. I\u2019ll see you later boys.\u00a0 Say hello to your Pa for me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Will do Paul,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Come on you two.\u00a0 Time we were getting home.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What about that drink?\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018We\u2019ve still got time, ain\u2019t we?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grinned at him. \u2018All right,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just one I suppose.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to go. \u2018Come on Joe,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned. \u2018What?\u2019 he said absently. \u2018Yeah OK.\u2019\u00a0 He fell into step beside his brothers. \u2018I reckon it\u2019ll be a real interesting demonstration tonight,\u2019 he said. \u2018I can hardly wait to see who he cures.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well you\u2019ll be waiting a long time,\u2019 said Adam with a short laugh. \u2018Because you won\u2019t be there to witness it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned. \u2018Why?\u2019 he said. \u2018Ain\u2019t we going?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m not.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How come?\u00a0 It should be right interesting. Don\u2019t ya think?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No I don\u2019t.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t you just hear what Paul said?\u2019 said Adam. \u2018The man is a charlatan Joe \u2026 A fraud,\u2019 he added when he saw his brother\u2019s puzzled look at the word.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head firmly. \u2018How do you know that?\u2019 he said defensively. \u2018You ain\u2019t given him a chance yet! Don\u2019t you reckon it\u2019d be good to go to his demonstration Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shrugged. \u2018I dunno,\u2019 he said. \u2018I ain\u2019t sure.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well one thing for sure I do know,\u2019 said Adam firmly as they got to the Silver Dollar Saloon door. \u2018There\u2019s no way that Pa is going to let you go, even if you want to.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No Joseph,\u2019 said Ben firmly. \u2018How many times would you like me to repeat that word?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But Pa \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glowered at his plate and then looked up at Hoss pleadingly. Hoss rolled his eyes. \u2018Pa I was thinking of going,\u2019 he said helpfully. \u2018Joe could come with me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It isn\u2019t just a matter of him going with someone Hoss,\u2019 said Ben sternly. \u2018I happen to agree with Adam.\u00a0 This man sounds like quite a charlatan and I think that \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But how do you know?\u2019 interrupted Joe. \u2018No one has even given him a chance!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Look Joe,\u2019 explained Adam calmly. \u2018It just stands to reason doesn\u2019t it?\u00a0 I mean \u2026 he\u2019s asking everyone to believe that God lets him perform miracles or something. It just isn\u2019t logical.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned at his brother, his calmness only irritating him more. \u2018Well what\u2019s so strange bout that anyway?\u2019 he demanded. \u2018What about all them saint people?\u00a0 God let them perform miracles didn\u2019t he? Why not this Mr Godfrey? For all you know Adam he could be one of them saints.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam snorted. \u2018Oh for heavens sake,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss laughed. \u2018It might be,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned to him. \u2018Might be what?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018For heaven\u2019s sake,\u2019 said Hoss and laughed again.\u00a0 Little Joe giggled and even their father joined in.\u00a0 Adam looked slightly miffed and said nothing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Aw go on Pa,\u2019 pleaded Little Joe. \u2018You gotta admit that I\u2019ll never learn bout whether these things are true or not iff\u2019n I don\u2019t get to see em.\u2019\u00a0 He gave his father one of his best puppy dog looks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben hesitated and then put down his fork. \u2018All right,\u2019 he said. \u2018But as long as you stay with Hoss. Hoss?\u00a0 Don\u2019t you let that boy out of your sight.\u00a0 And I\u2019ll expect you to come home as soon as it is over.\u00a0 Understood?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Understood Pa,\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018Thanks Pa! Come on Hoss!\u2019\u00a0 He stood up and dragged Hoss to his feet as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grabbed another roll as he allowed his younger brother to lead him towards the doorway. \u2018OK OK,\u2019 he said with a laugh. \u2018Settle down Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019re not serious,\u2019 said Adam to his father as his two brothers exited the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shrugged. \u2018Sometimes a parent has to allow his children to make their own mistakes,\u2019 he said. \u2018No matter how old they get,\u2019 he added, eyeing Adam off. \u2018Besides, one thing that Little Joe said was correct. He\u2019ll never learn if he doesn\u2019t get to experience things.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged. \u2018Well I only hope this man\u2019s demonstration goes the way it should and shows him up for what he is,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019d hate to think of the townsfolk being hoodwinked by a man like that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n By the time they got there, a substantial crowd had gathered around Jeremiah\u2019s wagon.\u00a0 Hoss muscled his way to the front of the crowd, Joe pushing up behind him until they were standing where they could get a good view. \u2018I wonder when he\u2019s gonna \u2026\u2019 Joe began and then stopped as Jeremiah appeared in front of his wagon.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Good evening one and all!\u2019 the man shouted. \u2018And thank you for coming.\u00a0 As I said this afternoon, I am most happy to prove to you that I am a genuine bearer of good news for you.\u00a0 Put your faith in the Lord and you will witness wonderful this here this very night.\u2019\u00a0 Joe looked around and grinned at a few people standing next to him while Hoss narrowed his eyes and stared at Jeremiah. \u2018Well?\u2019 continued the man. \u2018Who is to be first?\u00a0 Who will put their faith in the Almighty?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n No one spoke.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He can\u2019t prove much if no one comes forward,\u2019 Joe whispered to Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Quite right young man,\u2019 said Jeremiah and Joe blushed and pulled his hat down over his face as he realised that everyone standing near had heard him. \u2018This young man is correct when he says that I can\u2019t prove anything to you if no one comes forward.\u2019\u00a0 Jeremiah looked around hopefully. \u2018Who will it be?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Who will put their trust in the Lord?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I will!\u2019 said a voice from the back.\u00a0 Everyone turned to see Jack Grantham who owned the Livery Stable standing there. Jack pushed his way to the front of the crowd and stood facing Jeremiah with his hands on his hips. \u2018Cure me if you can!\u2019 he challenged.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah looked the other man up and down thoughtfully. \u2018What exactly is wrong with you?\u2019 he asked quietly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jack rolled up his sleeve and bared his arm to the crowd. \u2018This,\u2019 he said. \u2018A horse stepped on it last week and it\u2019s been hurting every time I move it since.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at Jeremiah smugly. \u2018Let\u2019s see ya cure that!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah motioned to him to come closer and Jack sat down on an upturned barrel next to the wagon. Jeremiah laid his hands on Jack\u2019s arm and closed his eyes as he stood still for several minutes.\u00a0 There was silence as everyone stared at the two men \u2026 a silence that became deeper with every second that passed.\u00a0 Jack stared at Jeremiah, a flicker of doubt appearing in his eyes as the time passed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at Hoss. \u2018What\u2019s he doing?\u2019 he whispered. \u2018How long is he gonna take?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss signalled for his brother to be quiet. \u2018Shh,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just wait.\u2019\u00a0 He watched the two men closely, noting Jack\u2019s uneasiness as Jeremiah continued to stand still as a rock with his hands on his arm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Finally, Jack could stand it no longer. \u2018Well?\u2019 he said in an uneasy tone. \u2018Is that it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah finally opened his eyes and smiled at the man before withdrawing his hands. \u2018That is it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jack stared at the man carefully and then began to move his arm tentatively.\u00a0 Suddenly his face broke into a grin. \u2018Hey1\u2019 he shouted. \u2018It feels better.\u2019\u00a0 He waved it around gleefully. \u2018I ain\u2019t feeling no pain now!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was a gasp from the crowd and everyone turned to face Jeremiah who merely stood still without saying a word. \u2018Did ya see that Hoss?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018He cured him!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head in disbelief. \u2018I sure did,\u2019 he said. \u2018I wouldn\u2019t have believed it if I hadn\u2019t seen it with my own eyes but.\u2019 The crowd began to surge forward and the two Cartwrights had to fight to stay where they were. \u2018I reckon we should get outta here Joe,\u2019 said Hoss over the noise. \u2018Come on!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I wanna stay!\u2019 shouted back Joe. \u2018Let\u2019s watch and see what he\u2019s gonna do next!\u2019\u00a0 He craned his neck to try to see over the crowd, but Hoss held onto his arm and dragged him towards the edge of it instead. \u2018Hold on Hoss!\u201d shouted Joe. \u2018Lemme see!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018There ain\u2019t nothing to see,\u2019 said Hoss as they reached the edge of the crowd. \u2018Look.\u2019 He pointed to where Jeremiah was standing on the step of the wagon, raised up so that everyone could now see him plainly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Steady on my good people!\u2019 he was shouting. \u2018There\u2019s plenty for all!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Plenty of what?\u2019 asked Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That Pain Killer stuff I reckon,\u2019 replied Hoss. \u2018Seems like he\u2019s selling it now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But \u2026 but he didn\u2019t use it ta cure Jack,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Why would they all wanna buy it now?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t know,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Mebbe they reckon anything he sells is gonna be good. We\u2019d better get out of here Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I reckon we should buy some of that Pain Killer stuff too Hoss,\u2019 said Joe, trying to avoid leaving. \u2018I reckon Pa would like to see it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I reckon Pa would like to see us home on time better,\u2019 replied Hoss firmly. \u2018Sides, we\u2019d never get any tonight.\u00a0 Look at the crowd.\u2019 It was true. Everyone who could manage to get close to Jeremiah was holding out their money and shouting to him. \u2018Mebbe we can come back and get some tomorrow,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Come on Joe.\u00a0 I promised Pa I\u2019d get you home on time and I aim to.\u2019\u00a0 He pulled his brother away from the crowd.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well all right,\u2019 said Joe huffily. \u2018But don\u2019t blame me if Pa says we shoulda brought some home.\u00a0 I reckon that Jeremiah is just what he claims to be don\u2019t you Hoss? I reckon we done just saw one of them miracles.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stroked his chin as they headed towards their horses. \u2018I reckon so Joe,\u2019 he mused. \u2018Ya could be right at that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa it\u2019s true!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018You shoulda seen it!\u00a0 Jack could move his arm as if it had never been hurt … and all that Jeremiah fellar did was put his hands on him.\u2019\u00a0 His eyes shone with the excitement of it all. \u2018Hoss and me reckon it was one of them miracles, don\u2019t we Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shrugged. \u2018I reckon so Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Jack sure was cured.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned. \u2018Well perhaps his arm wasn\u2019t hurt so badly to begin with,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head. \u2018No sir,\u2019 he said. \u2018I saw the accident myself last week.\u00a0 That horse stepped on his arm for sure.\u00a0 Doc Martin said that the muscles was all torn.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at Adam who shook his head slightly. \u2018Well all I can say is that it sounds as if this man made a lot of money tonight,\u2019 said Ben finally. \u2018I\u2019m not sure how he did it, but \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It was one of them miracles,\u2019 interrupted Joe excitedly. \u2018We was gonna get some of that Pain Killer stuff too, only Hoss wouldn\u2019t let me.\u2019\u00a0 He shot Hoss an accusing look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave a short laugh. \u2018Well thank goodness for that,\u2019 he said. \u2018At least neither of you wasted your money.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It wouldn\u2019t have been a waste of money!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018That stuff must really work.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Really?\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018And why is that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Because \u2026 because if he cured Jack with just his hands \u2026 well imagine what he could do with that Pain Killer,\u2019 said Joe indignantly. \u2018You weren\u2019t there Adam.\u00a0 You didn\u2019t see it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No I didn\u2019t see it,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018And I\u2019m glad I didn\u2019t waste the time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It was not a waste of time!\u2019 declared Joe, his voice rising with his indignation. \u2018You never believe anything.\u00a0 Just because you think you know better all the time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph that will do,\u2019 said his father firmly as he stood up. \u2018It sounds to me like you may be ready for bed young man. In fact I think it\u2019s time we all turned in. We have church in the morning.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes lit up again. \u2018After church, can we go and get some of that pain killer?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018I don\u2019t think so Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on now boys.\u00a0 Bed.\u2019\u00a0 He turned down the lamp and walked towards the staircase, followed by Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe made a face at Adam in the dim light and then turned to follow his father and brother. Adam gave a short laugh before closing the book on his lap and standing up to follow them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked around the crowd in the small churchyard and smiled as he spied Paul Martin near the gate. \u2018Hello Paul,\u2019 he said warmly as he approached the man. \u2018How are you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul turned to shake Ben\u2019s hand. \u2018I\u2019m fine thanks Ben,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s the matter? You seem a bit distracted.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ve just been listening to all the comments about that so called Faith Healer.\u00a0 It seems like just about everyone was at the demonstration or at least has heard about it from someone who was.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018Hoss and Joe went to it,\u2019 he said. \u2018And from what they told me it sounds like he might have stirred things up a mite.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul shook his head. \u2018I believe so,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m afraid that people will believe anything from a persuasive man like that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018There\u2019s something I don\u2019t understand though Paul,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Hoss assures me that Jack\u2019s arm was definitely hurt.\u00a0 I\u2019ve known Jack Grantham for years \u2026 I can\u2019t believe that he would be part of a ruse such as this.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t think he was,\u2019 replied Paul. \u2018At least not intentionally.\u00a0 The mind is a strange thing Ben.\u00a0 The power of suggestion can do wonders in the right situation.\u00a0 If Jack really believed that this Jeremiah was capable of mending his arm, then his mind could have convinced his body that he was healed. Besides,\u2019 he added ruefully. \u2018I told him only yesterday that his arm was on the mend.\u00a0 It was only a matter of time before he regain the full use of it.\u00a0 I thik all this Jeremiah did was hasten the progress a bit.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018I see,\u2019 he said. \u2018So it wasn\u2019t really that much of a miracle cure as this man would have us believe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018Mind you Ben, there\u2019s nothing wrong with what Jeremiah did. It\u2019s not Jack Grantham\u2019s arm that has me worried \u2026 it\u2019s the fact that this man is using the power of suggestion to convince people to buy his so-called painkiller.\u00a0 He\u2019s acting as if it\u2019s a miracle cure.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know what you mean,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He\u2019s cheating all these people into buying something that\u2019s probably nothing more than snake oil \u2026 and everyone will keep handing over their money to him as long as he promotes it now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well \u2026\u2019 began Ben. He stopped as Joe bounded up to them. \u2018What is it Joseph?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I speaking to the Doctor.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh sorry,\u2019 said Joe with a grin. \u2018Hi Doc Martin.\u00a0 Pa I\u2019m just gonna go over and get some of that painkiller stuff before we leave. OK?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No \u2026. Not OK,\u2019 said Ben with a frown. \u2018You are not going to waste your money on that nonsense Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But Pa \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Get into the buggy please.\u00a0 I\u2019m coming now.\u2019\u00a0 Ben turned to Paul as Joe walked away with a frown on his face. \u2018See what I mean?\u2019 he said, shaking his head. \u2018That\u2019s what is going to be going on around here now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We can only hope that this Jeremiah makes the money we want sin a hurry I suppose and then moves on,\u2019 said Paul.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The sooner the better,\u2019 agreed Ben. \u2018The sooner the better Paul.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I reckon you should get some and try it Hop Sing,\u2019 said Joe as they sat at the table later that day. \u2018It really works.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What Hop Sing want crazy medicine for?\u2019 asked the cook as he plonked down the platter of sandwiches on the table. \u2018You eat lunch!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It isn\u2019t crazy medicine,\u2019 said Joe defensively. \u2018It really works.\u00a0 Hoss and me saw this man cure someone\u2019s arm.\u00a0 I reckoned you\u2019d be interested, what with knowing lots bout medicines and stuff.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Do we have to talk about this?\u2019 asked Adam as he reached for a sandwich. \u2018It\u2019s getting rather boring discussing this Jeremiah Godfrey every day.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I agree,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Eat your lunch Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe took and sandwich and bit into it, then proceeded to talk with his mouth full. \u2018Well I just thought that Hop Sing might be interested in it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing not interested,\u2019 the cook said firmly. \u2018Got own medicines.\u00a0 Not need crazy stuff from crazy man.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019d only be a concoction of herbs and things,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So?\u2019 countered Joe. \u2018Isn\u2019t that what most medicines are?\u2019\u00a0 He turned to Hop Sing. \u2018What\u2019s in lots of the medicines you give us when we\u2019re sick Hop Sing?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shrugged. \u2018Herbs and stuff,\u2019 he said grudgingly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018See?\u2019 said Joe triumphantly. \u2018Then what\u2019s the difference?\u2019\u00a0 He eyes off his father and brothers. \u2018There ain\u2019t none.\u2019\u00a0 There was silence around the table as the others tried to come up with an answer for him. \u2018Anyways,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018The main thing he does is that he lays his hands on people and they get cured. He\u2019s one of them miracle workers,\u2019 he told Hop Sing. Hop Sing snorted and left the room. \u2018It\u2019s true!\u2019 said Little Joe indignantly. \u2018I done heard this morning that he cured other people after we left.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u2019 asked Hoss. \u2018Like who?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018A man who had a rash.\u00a0 It disappeared.\u00a0 And there was a baby who had something \u2026 I can\u2019t remember what \u2026 anyway it stopped crying when he put his hands on him too.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam snorted. \u2018A rash and a crying baby?\u2019 he sneered. \u2018Doesn\u2019t sound like much to me.\u00a0 You really are gullible Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s face darkened at the insult. \u2018I am not!\u201d he said, even though he wasn\u2019t sure what gullible<\/em> meant. \u2018Anyways, you\u2019ll have to believe when he cures them miners who\u2019ve got that influenza stuff.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What?\u2019 said Ben sharply. \u2018Who told you that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Lots of people was talking bout it after church Pa,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Seems like they done told this Jeremiah bout all the men up at the Chandler mine what\u2019s sick and he said that he\u2019s gonna go up there and cure em all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018Paul won\u2019t like to hear that,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think that Jeremiah person should stay away from there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why?\u2019 demanded Joe. \u2018He can\u2019t sure em.\u00a0 Why should Jeremiah try?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben pointed his finger at his youngest son. \u2018Now that is enough Joseph!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018I don\u2019t want o hear any more of that sort of talk. Doctor Martin is the best there is around here and he\u2019s the best chance those men have of recovering.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe slid down in his chair. \u2018Yes sir,\u2019 he muttered. \u2018I only meant \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know exactly what you meant,\u2019 said his father. \u2018And there will be no more of it.\u00a0 I think it\u2019s about time we talked about something else.\u00a0 Personally I\u2019m sick of hearing about this Jeremiah man.\u2019\u00a0 He picked up another sandwich and bit into it angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You finish up here please son.\u00a0 I need to go and see Paul Martin.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his father a grin. \u2018OK Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018And maybe if I\u2019m lucky Adam will make it back to help huh?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben laughed. \u2018You just get those supplies loaded.\u00a0 I\u2019ll meet your brother at the bank and bring him back with me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Bet it\u2019ll be too late for these supplies but!\u2019 called out Joe with another grin as his father walked away. He gave a sigh and bent down to pick up another sack.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was outside the bank when Adam came outside. \u2018No problems Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I got that bank draft for you.\u2019\u00a0 He patted his pocket.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank you son,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018Now while Joe is finishing up loading those supplies I\u2019d like to go past Paul\u2019s office and see how he\u2019s doing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019re really worried about him aren\u2019t you?\u2019 asked Adam as he fell into stop beside his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes I am.\u00a0 He sounded quite down the other day after church.\u00a0 I think he\u2019s been really rattled by this Jeremiah\u2019s antics.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed as he looked over his shoulder towards the other end of the street where Jeremiah\u2019s wagon was parked.\u00a0 There was even now a small group of people around it. \u2018I\u2019m sure he is,\u2019 he said. \u2018It seems like more and more people are coming under his spell.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben opened the door to Paul\u2019s office. \u2018I\u2019m sure it won\u2019t last,\u2019 he said. \u2018But in the meantime I think it\u2019s important to support Paul through this.\u00a0 It can\u2019t be easy for him to watch his patients all going elsewhere.\u00a0 Particularly when he knows that the man is a sham.\u2019 He smiled as Adam shut the door behind them. \u2018Hello Paul.\u00a0 What on earth are you doing?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Doctor got down form the ladder he was standing on and wiped his hands on a cloth. \u2018Just a bit of painting,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve been wanting to freshen this office up for a long time, but I never seem to have the time.\u00a0 I do now though,\u2019 he added ruefully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Business not good?\u2019 Adam sympathised.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s been better,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018Have a seat please.\u2019\u00a0 He motioned to the small table and chairs in the office and began to pour some coffee out for his guests. \u2018I can\u2019t complain though really. In a way it\u2019s nice to have some quiet time.\u2019\u00a0 His look as he handed the cups to Ben and Adam belied his words, however. Ben and Adam exchanged a worried look as the man continued. \u2018It seems that everyone is going to Jeremiah Godfrey instead of here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It won\u2019t last Paul,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You know that it won\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I thought that was the case Ben, but with every day that passes the man seems more intent on staying.\u00a0 Why would he move on if they keep spending their money on that pain killer of his after all?\u00a0 He must be making a fortune.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You can\u2019t be serious,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Unfortunately I am,\u2019 replied Paul. \u2018It seems as if he\u2019s been laying his hands on enough people to make them firmly convinced that he has this power of healing.\u00a0 Mind you .., so far they\u2019re only for minor problems and he doesn\u2019t done anyone any harm, but I fear that the day will come when someone will have faith in him for something serious and then there will be a real problem.\u2019\u00a0 He sighed. \u2018It\u2019s not just myself I\u2019m worried about here Ben.\u00a0 I have the health and safety of all my patients to worry about and I\u2019m afraid for them.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben laid a hand over that of the Doctor\u2019s on the table. \u2018Paul I understand what you\u2019re saying, but you can\u2019t take on the problems of everyone in this town.\u00a0 If people decide to go to this man it\u2019s their decision not yours.\u00a0 You can\u2019t protect them if they\u2019re not willing to protect themselves.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018It\u2019s just hard to stand by and watch good people being hoodwinked by him.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled. \u2018Well at least I can get some fishing in until this blows over.\u00a0 It s chance to relax for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Come on out to dinner again tomorrow night,\u2019 suggested Ben. \u2018We\u2019d love to have you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul smiled at him. \u2018Thank you Ben,\u2019 he said. \u2018I believe I will.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up. \u2018Well, back to the painting.\u00a0 At least this office will look better when I\u2019m finished.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019s right you know,\u2019 said Adam as they walked along the sidewalk. \u2018there could be a serious problem if people continue to avoid going to him. I heard in the bank that Jeremiah\u2019s been out to the Chandler mine as Joe said.\u00a0 It seems that the men have started to get better and everyone is sure that it\u2019s all die to him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s probably due to the care that Paul gave them during the past week,\u2019 said Ben bitterly. \u2018This Jeremiah Godfrey is just taking the credit for it coming in when they were most likely on the mend anyway.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well whichever way you look at it, he\u2019s got the people of this town convinced that he\u2019s got some kind of power,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I sure hope they don\u2019t regret it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sat on the back of the loaded buckboard, swinging his legs and whistling softly as he waited. \u2018Well look who we\u2019ve got here!\u2019 said a voice beside him and he grinned to see his good friend Mitch Devlin standing with his hands on his hips grinning at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hi Devlin,\u2019 he said. \u2018What\u2019s up?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m on my way to the Silver Dollar for a well-earned drink,\u2019 said Mitch with a twinkle in his eye. \u2018I\u2019ve finished all the work for my Pa in here and I reckon I\u2019ve earned it.\u00a0 Come on and join me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u2018Ain\u2019t possible Mitch,\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa and Adam will be along in a few minutes and Pa\u2019d skin my hide if I wasn\u2019t here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s the problem,\u2019 said Mitch, leaning against a pole and surveying his friend. \u2018You\u2019ve finished loading all that ain\u2019t you? Surely your Pa couldn\u2019t begrudge you one drink?\u2019\u00a0 He tossed a coin in the air. \u2018I\u2019m paying,\u2019 he said enticingly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked over his shoulder furtively. \u2018Well seeing as how you\u2019re paying,\u2019 he said, springing down for the buckboard. \u2018They ain\u2019t here yet, so I reckon maybe I can fit in one drink and be back before they are.\u2019\u00a0 He swung his arm around his friend\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Come on then buddy,\u2019 he said happily. \u2018Lead the way.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The two friends entered the Silver Dollar and ordered their drinks immediately, leaning on the bar as they drank. \u2018So,\u2019 said Joe as he swallowed his beer and licked his lips. \u2018What you doing in town Mitch?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Just some jobs for my Pa,\u2019 said Mitch. \u2018How bout you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Just getting them supplies,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Pa and Adam had some business at the bank too.\u2019\u00a0 He leaned back and bumped a man standing beside him. \u2018Oh\u2026 sorry,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You you pushing?\u2019 growled the man angrily. \u2018Keep ya hands to yaself kid!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I said I was sorry,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Stop going on about it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Listen you,\u2019 said the man, straightening up and grabbing Joe by the collar.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mitch stepped in between the two of them. \u2018It was an honest mistake mister,\u2019 he said. \u2018My friend didn\u2019t mean nothing by it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man shoved Mitch out of the way with one hand, while still holding onto Joe with the other. \u2018You stay out of this sonny,\u2019 he said. \u2018This is between this kid and me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe tried to wriggle out of the man\u2019s grasp. \u2018Now you listen to me!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018I said I was sorry.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you just shut up and \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He gasped as the man drew back his fist and punched him hard in the stomach. \u2018Ow!\u2019 he yelled and doubled over in pain. \u2018What did ya go and do that for?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The large man stood over him and drew back his fist again, but put it down when the bartender bent down and drew out the rifle he kept under the bar and pointed it at him. \u2018That\u2019s enough!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018The two of you get out of here!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But I ain\u2019t done nothing!\u2019 shouted Joe. \u2018It was him!\u2019\u00a0 He pointed at the man angrily. \u2018All I did was \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I said that\u2019s enough!\u2019 shouted the bartender. \u2018Now both of you out!\u2019\u00a0 He watched as the large man threw down a few coins on the bar and strode out side.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mitch took hold of Joe by the arm. \u2018Come on Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Best we get out of here.\u2019\u00a0 He led his friend outside where he looked at him anxiously. \u2018Are you all right?\u2019 he asked. \u2018That big fellar really hit you good in there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe straightened up. \u2018I\u2019m all right,\u2019 he said ruefully. \u2018Just angry.\u00a0 We didn\u2019t get to finish our drinks.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Maybe that\u2019s for the best,\u2019 replied Mitch. \u2018Here comes your Pa and Adam.\u2019 He pointed up the street to where the two men were. \u2018I\u2019d best see ya later Joe.\u00a0 You sure you\u2019re OK?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah I\u2019m fine,\u2019 said Joe, rubbing his stomach. \u2018Takes more than one punch to worry me. See ya Mitch.\u2019\u00a0 He strode over to the buckboard and reached it at exactly the same time as his father and brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And where have you been?\u2019 asked Ben sternly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Just over there talking to Mitch Devlin,\u2019 answered Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018Well climb up then. It\u2019s time we were on our way home.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe rubbed his stomach absently as he sat down at the table and then pulled his hand away quickly, well aware that his father might see him.\u00a0 Joe had no intention of telling anyone that his stomach was hurting, least of all his father.\u00a0 Firstly there was the question of where it had happened \u2026 and Ben was sure to be angry with him for having gone into the saloon in the first place \u2026 and secondly Joe wasn\u2019t prepared for all the fuss that would surely happen if he did tell.\u00a0 Especially with Doc Martin sitting right here at the same table.\u00a0 He smiled weakly and ignored the pain.\u00a0 After all, it was just because of the bruise on his stomach, he reasoned.\u00a0 It wouldn\u2019t last too long.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked up and saw his father giving him a puzzled look. \u2018Yeah?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben held the platter out towards him. \u2018I asked if you wanted some corn.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u2018No thanks,\u2019 he muttered and went back to studying his plate.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave his youngest son a puzzled look and then handed the platter to Paul. \u2018Here you go Paul,\u2019 he said. \u2018Have some of this.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank you Ben,\u2019 said the Doctor as he took it. \u2018Another fine meal Hop Sing,\u2019 he continued. \u2018You\u2019re really spoiling me at the moment.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019re happy for your company,\u2019 said Ben warmly as they all began to eat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018At least someone is,\u2019 said Paul, trying to keep the bitterness out of his voice. \u2018No one else seems to want anything to do with me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ah Doc Martin \u2026 ya know that ain\u2019t true!\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Folks round here think the world of ya!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul tried to smile. \u2018They\u2019re all so caught up with Jeremiah Godfrey at the moment Hoss that I\u2019m not sure what they think of me to tell you the truth. No one comes to me for advice at all.\u00a0 I\u2019m beginning to wonder if I\u2019m needed here to tell you the truth.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned. \u2018Paul don\u2019t you dare say that,\u2019 he said. \u2018Of course the people around here need you. You\u2019ve proved that time and time again.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul sighed. \u2018I know Ben.\u00a0 It\u2019s just that at the moment I feel useless.\u00a0 Less than useless actually. This Jeremiah Godfrey is proving to be quite a hit in town.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He sure is,\u2019 said Joe, putting his head up. \u2018He done cured all them miners at the Chandler mine.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph!\u2019 said Ben angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his father an indignant look. \u2018What?\u2019 he said. \u2018He did!\u00a0 I heard tell that there ain\u2019t one man sick out there at all now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben pointed his fork at his son. \u2018I said that is enough!\u2019 he repeated angrily.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019ll have you know \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t Ben,\u2019 interrupted Paul. \u2018The boy is only saying what everyone else in town is.\u00a0 They credit him with everyone who is cured, no matter what hand I\u2019ve had in it. It\u2019s not the boy\u2019s fault that he thinks like that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Even so\u2026\u2019 Ben continued to glare at Joe who eventually put his head down and studied his plate.\u00a0 He put his hand up again and rubbed his stomach under the table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s the matter?\u2019 asked Hoss as he stared at his younger brother. \u2018Hold onto it, will ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe tried to hold the piece of wire tighter, but the movement caused him to catch hold of his sore stomach with his free hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss glanced over at him. \u2018You hurting or something?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No. Why would I be hurting?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Just wondering.\u00a0 The way you\u2019re holding your stomach like that is all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe let go of his stomach. \u2018Mind your own business,\u2019 he muttered. \u2018Ain\u2019t nothing wrong with me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss cut the end of the wire off and stood up. \u2018If you say so little brother,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on, let\u2019s get this wagon load back to the ranch.\u2019\u00a0 He walked over to the wagon and put his tools away, while Joe slowly bent down to pick up the left-over wire on the ground. \u2018You sure you\u2019re OK?\u2019 asked Hoss again as he eyed off the slow way his brother was moving.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sighed. \u2018I said I was, didn\u2019t I?\u2019\u00a0 He climbed up slowly beside his brother and Hoss hitched up the reins. \u2018Hey Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Do you think that Doc Martin meant it last night when he talked bout not being needed round here?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I reckon so,\u2019 said Hoss thoughtfully. \u2018Pa says that he\u2019s real down bout all this stuff with Jeremiah.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded. \u2018Well I don\u2019t see why they can\u2019t both look after people round here,\u2019 he said. \u2018There\u2019ll be plenty of sick people for em both come winter.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t think that\u2019s the important thing,\u2019 mused Hoss. \u2018I don\u2019t right understand all of it Joe, but I do know that Doc Martin sorta feels like no one trusts him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why not? He\u2019s cured lots of folks round here before.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well yeah, but seeing as how lots of em is going to Jeremiah I reckon he sorta feels like \u2026\u2019\u00a0 Hoss scratched his head as he searched for the words. \u2018Sorta like \u2026 they\u2019re \u2026 sorta like \u2026 putting their faith in the wrong thing I reckon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned and tried to hold his stomach without his brother noticing it. \u2018Sorta like they don\u2019t have faith in him?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah,\u2019 agreed Hoss. \u2018I reckon so.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I just don\u2019t know what to say to him any more,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018It\u2019s as if he has no interest in anything any more.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know what you mean,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018I saw him in town yesterday and he looked terrible.\u2019 \u00a0He hesitated. \u2018Pa I think he\u2019d been drinking pretty heavily.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave his son a startled look. \u2018No!\u2019 he said. \u2018Not Paul!\u00a0 You must have be mistaken Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u2018I sure hope I am,\u2019 he said. \u2018I hate to think of a man like that going so far down that he has to resort to drink to get him through it. Pa he\u2019s still talking about giving it all up and leaving.\u00a0 He hinted at it when I spoke to him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben banged his fist on his desk. \u2018That\u2019s it!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018I will not have that man treated in this way!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well what are you going to do?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018You can\u2019t force the people to go to him can you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I can sure try,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I\u2019m going to call a town meeting for tomorrow.\u00a0 Let\u2019s see what the good people of this town think about the fact that they might soon be without a Doctor because of their foolishness.\u2019\u00a0 He banged his fist on the table again. \u2018Come on son, let\u2019s spread the word about this meeting.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe got down from his horse slowly and squared his shoulders as he looked around.\u00a0 It seemed that coming into town this early had been the right thing to do as there was no one at Jeremiah\u2019s wagon at all.\u00a0 Joe hated going behind his father\u2019s back like this and much and all as he wanted to help Doc Martin out by going to him about his problem, he knew that of he did his father would find out about it and that was something that Joe was wasn\u2019t prepared for. Besides, he thought as he approached the wagon, this was a good chance to try some of that pain killer stuff as he\u2019d wanted to.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hello?\u2019 he called out and smiled as Jeremiah poked hi head out of the back of the wagon. \u2018Hi,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hello young man,\u2019 said Jeremiah. \u2018What can I do for you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I was wondering \u2026 Joe licked his lips. \u2018I was wondering if I could ask for your help.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah looked him up and down.\u2019 Not feeling too good are you?\u2019 he asked as he noticed the way that Joe was holding himself around the waist.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018Not really.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well come on into the wagon then and I\u2019ll see what I can do for you,\u2019 said Jeremiah, poking his head back inside again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe climbed up into the wagon gingerly and looked around.\u00a0 It was full of countless bottles of the man\u2019s pain killer that were stacked in boxes against the canvas sides and a small mattress where Jeremiah obviously had been sleeping was at the back. Jeremiah motioned for Joe to sit down next to him. \u2018You\u2019re that kid that was at my first demonstration aren\u2019t ya?\u2019 the man asked. \u2018I remember you in the front of the crowd.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah, I was there,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I saw you cure Jack\u2019s arm.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh yes.\u00a0 You were the young man who urged someone to come forward weren\u2019t you?\u00a0 So \u2026 what can I do for you?\u00a0 Stomach problem?\u2019 He pointed to Joe\u2019s midriff where he was holding himself.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah.\u00a0 I got hit a few days ago,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018I was thinking that I could get some of that pain killer stuff you\u2019ve got.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u2018You\u2019re one of them Cartwrights, ain\u2019t ya?\u00a0 From out at that big ranch?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I assume you have money to pay for it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe took some coins out of his pocket and Jeremiah smiled. \u2018I think I can do more for you than just my pain killer,\u2019 he said. \u2018Lean back.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe leant back towards the side of the wagon and watched silently as Jeremiah undid the buttons of his shirt and looked at the large bruise. \u2018Pretty big hit I\u2019d say,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah looked at Joe intently. \u2018Do you have faith?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How do you mean?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Do you have faith that I can cure you? Do you have faith \u2026. What\u2019s your name?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Do you have faith Joe that the Lord Almighty will cure you through me?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I guess so.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah placed his hands on Joe\u2019s stomach and closed his eyes. Joe stared at him while he sat silent and still, wondering what was coming next. Suddenly Jeremiah opened his eyes and deep into Joe\u2019s. \u2018You must have faith that I can cure you,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded, feeling strangely drawn to this man. \u2018I do,\u2019 he said eagerly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You believe that I can take your pain away?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded again. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah closed his eyes again and breathed deeply a few times as Joe watched. Suddenly his eyes opened again. \u2018How is the pain now?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe thought for a moment. \u2018Better,\u2019 he said and then grinned. \u2018Hey!\u00a0 It does really feel better I reckon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah removed his hands and reached over to pick up a bottle of painkiller. \u2018Take a swig of this,\u2019 he said. \u2018It will help.\u2019\u00a0 He watched as Joe drank a couple of mouthfuls and then handed him another bottle. \u2018Better take two,\u2019 he said. \u2018Keep drinking it every hour.\u00a0 Two mouthfuls at a time.\u00a0 I promise you that the pain will disappear.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It has already,\u2019 said Joe with a grin as he tucked in his shirt again. \u2018It really has!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah held out his hand and Joe put the coins into it eagerly. \u2018Is that enough?\u2019 he asked and then dug into his pocket as Jeremiah said nothing, but merely looked at the coins on his palm. \u2018There,\u2019 said Joe as he emptied his pocket of all the coins he had and placed them onto the man\u2019s hand. \u2018Thanks.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah nodded. \u2018Tell your friends,\u2019 he said as he pocketed the money quickly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh I will,\u2019 said Joe, hopping down from the wagon quickly. \u2018Thanks a lot.\u2019\u00a0 He whistled under his breath as he walked quickly towards his horse.\u00a0 Jeremiah watched him for a moment and then smiled before withdrawing his head again into the wagon.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well you\u2019re sounding quite chirpy today,\u2019 said Ben as Joe laughed aloud at something that Hoss had said. Frankly he was pleased to see it, as the boy had looked quite peaky lately and was beginning to worry his father. \u2018Any particular reason?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nope, said Joe with his mouth full. \u2018Just feeling good is all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well I\u2019m glad to hear that someone around here is feeling good,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Adam? Did you manage to get the word about the meeting to all those ranchers on your list?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure did Pa,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Some of them didn\u2019t see the point of it though.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018Neither did a few of those I spoke to as well.\u00a0 We\u2019ll have to just wait and see what happens.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Do you really think that you\u2019ll be able to persuade them into going back to Paul with their problems?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I certainly hope so son.\u00a0 They can\u2019t honestly let that man pack up and leave here without a fight. Surely this fascination with Jeremiah just isn\u2019t worth that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Especially as he\u2019s such a fraud,\u2019 added Adam. \u2018I don\u2019t know how he\u2019s been getting away with it all this time to be honest.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He ain\u2019t a fraud,\u2019 said Joe in a low voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u2018We\u2019ve been through all this before Joe,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He ain\u2019t a fraud,\u2019 said Joe firmly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rolled his eyes at his father. \u2018There\u2019s no point arguing with some people,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You think you know everything,\u2019 said Joe in a testy voice. \u2018But you don\u2019t, ya know.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n That will do,\u2019 said Ben firmly. \u2018From both of you.\u2019\u00a0 He gave both of his sons a firm look.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe pulled his handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his forehead with it.\u00a0 With a sigh he picked up his axe again and looked at it dispiritedly, wondering why he felt so tired today.\u00a0 Happily, the pain hadn\u2019t returned since he\u2019d been taking that painkiller that Jeremiah had given him, but he couldn\u2019t shake off the feeling that something wasn\u2019t quite right nevertheless.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019d better get back to it,\u2019 said Hoss, coming up beside him. \u2018Pa will have your hide if that wood ain\u2019t finished when and Adam get back from that meeting in town.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m doing it,\u2019 said Joe. He wiped his face again. \u2018It\u2019s just so hot today that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ain\u2019t hot at all,\u2019 snorted Hoss. \u2018Quit whining and making excuses not ta get that work done.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shot him a dark look and wiped his face again. For some reason, his brother was irritating him today. In fact, a lot of things seemed to have been irritating him since breakfast. \u2018I\u2019m doing it,\u2019 he said and lifted his axe again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss began to whistle as he walked over to the barn.\u00a0 That Joe sure was good at stalling to get his chores done, that was for sure.\u00a0 He put a bridle on his horse and picked up his saddle with one hand, while leading Chubb out of the barn with the other.\u00a0 With another glance over at Joe he gave a satisfied grunt as he noticed that the youngster was chopping wood again.\u00a0 Hoss swung his saddle up onto Chubb and was tightening the cinch underneath when he heard a strangled cry and turned in surprise.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was crouched down on the ground, the axe beside him.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019d get up and get back ta work if I was you!\u2019 shouted Hoss. \u2018Quit clowning around Joe!\u2019\u00a0 He frowned as he realised that there was no response from the youngster. \u2018Joe?\u2019 he said as he walked over to his brother. \u2018Joe are you OK?\u2019\u00a0 He crouched down next to him and put his hand on his brother\u2019s forehead. \u2018What\u2019s the matter with ya boy?\u2019 he said, his mood instantly turning to one of concern when he felt how hot Joe was. \u2018Are ya sick?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked up at Hoss and tried to sit up properly. \u2018I\u2019ll be OK,\u2019 he said. \u2018I just felt \u2026\u2019\u00a0 He swayed a little and Hoss gathered him into his arms.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I reckon you\u2019d better come inside and lie down for a bit,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on Joe.\u2019\u00a0 He picked the young man up as it became obvious to him that Joe was in no condition to walk by himself. With a worried look at his brother he headed into the house with him and laid him on the sofa. \u2018Joe?\u2019 he said. \u2018Joe, are you OK?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe groaned softly. \u2018I\u2019m feeling bad Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018Real bad,\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Where\u2019s it hurt?\u2019 asked Hoss anxiously. \u2018You got a pain somewhere Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head feebly. \u2018No pain,\u2019 he said. \u2018I just feel \u2026. Funny.\u2019\u00a0 He groaned again. \u2018Everything is sorta \u2026. I don\u2019t feel good Hoss.\u2019\u00a0 With a considerable effort he lifted his head and vomited violently onto the floor, while Hoss looked on helplessly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I just don\u2019t see what the problem is Ben,\u2019 said Angus Morton. \u2018You say that Paul is thinking of leaving.\u00a0 Surely that\u2019s his decision, not ours?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave the man a frustrated look. \u2018Don\u2019t you see?\u2019 he said. \u2018This town will not survive long without a Doctor man!\u00a0 We need Paul.\u00a0 Besides, he\u2019s a good friend to a lot of us.\u00a0 We need to help him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How? Surely you don\u2019t expect us to stop going to this Jeremiah Godfrey just to keep Paul Martin here?\u2019 shout someone from the back of the hall. \u2018I think it\u2019s our choice who we go to after all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of course it\u2019s your choice,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018But why put your faith in this man when we have a perfectly good Doctor here in town? Have some sense man!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Seems to me like you\u2019re the one with no sense at the moment,\u2019 said Angus. \u2018This Jeremiah has cured more people during these past few weeks than Paul Martin has in all the time he\u2019s been here. \u2018I reckon Jeremiah is the one we should be making sure stays, not Paul.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Have you no sense man?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I have a lot of sense Cartwright,\u2019 shouted Angus. \u2018Its obvious that \u2026\u2019 He stopped as the door was flung open and Hoss came running into the hall.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa!\u2019 shouted Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben turned quickly, Adam immediately at his side. \u2018What is it Hoss?\u2019 he asked. \u2018We\u2019re in the middle of a meeting here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked around and then addressed his father again. \u2018Pa!\u00a0 It\u2019s Little Joe Pa \u2026 He\u2019s not good.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben took a step forward. \u2018What do you mean he\u2019s not good?\u2019 he said anxiously. \u2018What happened?\u00a0 Has there been an accident?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head. \u2018No.\u00a0 No accident.\u00a0 He just ain\u2019t good Pa.\u00a0 He collapsed when he was splitting wood.\u00a0 I got him outside in the wagon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben rushed from the hall without another word, followed closely by Hoss and Adam and several of the other men. He made straight for the wagon which was parked in front of the hall and leant over the side of it where Joe was lying, covered by a blanket which he was trying to pluck off himself fretfully. \u2018Joe!\u2019 Ben said. \u2018Joseph? Can you hear me son?\u00a0 What is it?\u00a0 What\u2019s the matter?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe opened his eyes slightly and stared up at his father. \u2018I\u2019m \u2026 I don\u2019t know \u2026 Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I just \u2026 feel \u2026 a bit \u2026 funny.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stroked the hair from his son\u2019s pale brow. \u2018He\u2019s very hot,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think we should get him to Paul straight away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Take him to Jeremiah,\u2019 suggested Angus. \u2018He\u2019ll fix him up right quick.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben turned and gave the man a hard look. \u2018I\u2019ll take my son to a reputable Doctor,\u2019 he said firmly. \u2018Adam, run down to Paul\u2019s office and let him know we\u2019re bringing Joe down.\u00a0 Hoss, you drive the wagon.\u00a0 I\u2019ll get in the back with Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As they pulled up in front of the Doctor\u2019s office, Ben jumped down form the back of the wagon. \u2018Help me with him Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018Quickly now.\u2019\u00a0 They carried Joe to the front door, which was opened by Adam as they got there.\u00a0 Ben and Hoss took Joe straight inside and laid him on the Doctor\u2019s examining table. \u2018Where is Paul?\u2019 asked Ben as he leant over Joe and felt his forehead again. \u2018Isn\u2019t he here?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes he\u2019s here,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben turned to face his son. \u2018Where?\u2019 he said. Adam pointed to the corner of the room, where Paul was seated at a small table.\u00a0 He was fingering a glass and staring at a bottle of whiskey that was in front of him. \u2018Paul!\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Joe isn\u2019t well.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul looked up at Ben, his eyes slightly glazed. \u2018Well what did you bring him here for?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked confused. \u2018What do you mean why did we bring him here?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Where else would I bring him?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul laughed. \u2018Down there,\u2019 he said, waving his arm in the direction of the street. \u2018Down there where all the others go.\u2019\u00a0 He put his head down on the desk and was silent.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben strode over and pulled the man\u2019s head up again. \u2018Paul!\u201d he said. \u2018Snap out of it!\u2019\u00a0 He glanced at the half empty whiskey bottle on the table and shook his head before turning to Adam. \u2018Get some coffee,\u2019 he said. \u2018And make it strong. Hoss \u2026 get over here and help Adam pour it down Paul\u2019s throat.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Told you this was the wrong place to bring him,\u2019 said Angus from the open doorway. \u2018\u2019Best get him down the road to Jeremiah Ben.\u00a0 Looks like the Doc is in no condition to help your boy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben walked over to the door and shut it firmly before going back to Joe again. \u2018Get that coffee into him quickly,\u2019 he instructed Adam as he entered the room again with a pot in one hand and a cup in the other. \u2018Hurry up \u2026 Joe needs him!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben wiped the cloth over his son\u2019s hot forehead and patted him on the shoulder. \u2018Mmm, that feels good,\u2019 Joe muttered under his breath.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stared down at the fevered face before him and frowned.\u00a0 Joe was obviously not well, yet he kept insisting that he wasn\u2019t in any pain. He glanced over his shoulder to where Adam and Hoss were sitting next to Paul. \u2018How is he?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 Paul answered, before either Cartwright could speak. He put down the coffee cup in his hand. \u2018I\u2019m just embarrassed Ben.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018There\u2019s no need to be embarrassed after what you\u2019ve been through,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018But if you\u2019re feeling better Paul, I\u2019d sure appreciate you taking a look at Joe for me.\u2019\u00a0 He patted Joe\u2019s cheek and smiled at him in spite of the fact that the youngster had his eyes firmly shut.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul stood up and walked over, bending over the examining table. \u2018He\u2019s feverish,\u2019 he said. \u2018How long has he been like this?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at Hoss who answered. \u2018He weren\u2019t feeling too good when he was splitting wood bout two hours ago,\u2019 he said. \u2018He kinda fell over and couldn\u2019t get up again.\u00a0 When I took him inside he was like he is now \u2026 all hot \u2026 and he threw up three times.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul frowned. \u2018Three times?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded. \u2018Once at the house and then twice more on the way here,\u2019 he answered. \u2018I kept having ta stop the wagon ta help him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul undid Joe\u2019s shirt and frowned even more when he saw the remains of the large bruise that was on his stomach. \u2018When did this happen?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018I have no idea,\u2019 he said. \u2018I didn\u2019t know it was there.\u2019\u00a0 He looked questioningly at Adam and Hoss who both shook their heads as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It looks a few days old,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018If this is related to his fever we could be in for some trouble. He began to poke Joe\u2019s stomach carefully. \u2018We say he\u2019s been in no pain though?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He says not.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I can\u2019t understand how if \u2026\u2019\u00a0 Paul tapped Joe on the cheek a couple of times. \u2018Joe?\u2019 he said. \u2018Joe can you hear me?\u2019\u00a0 Joe groaned slightly and tried to turn his face away. \u2018Joe?\u2019 he tried again. \u2018Open your eyes son.\u2019 Joe\u2019s eyes opened slightly and he looked up at the Doctor. \u2018Are you in any pain?\u2019 asked Paul. \u2018Can you feel anything?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018No pain.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul shook his head again. \u2018I can\u2019t understand it,\u2019 he said. \u2018Fever like this is coming from somewhere. There should be \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No pain,\u2019 muttered Joe again. \u2018It don\u2019t \u2026 hurt. Took the pain \u2026. killer.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul bent over him again. \u2018You took what pain killer?\u2019 he asked anxiously. \u2018Joe?\u2019\u00a0 He tapped Joe\u2019s cheek again and Joe dragged his eyes open a second time. \u2018What pain killer did you take Joe?\u2019 he asked . \u2018Was it something from Jeremiah?\u2019 Joe nodded his head and shut his eyes again. Paul stood up and faced Ben. \u2018I need to know what was in that pain killer,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben turned to Adam. \u2018Adam \u2026.\u2019 But before he could get any more words out, both Adam and Hoss had left the room. Ben turned to Paul again. \u2018What is it?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s the problem Ben,\u2019 replied the Doctor. \u2018With whatever he\u2019s taken masking the pain, I have no way of knowing exactly what the problem is.\u2019\u00a0 He glanced down at Joe again. \u2018Whatever he\u2019s given the boy has only masked the pain.\u00a0 The real cause of the problem is still there.\u2019\u00a0 He ran his fingers through his hair. \u2018I knew something like this would happen,\u2019 he muttered. \u2018I\u2019m just sorry it had to be one of yours that it happened to Ben.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put his hands on Paul\u2019s shoulders. \u2018What can you do for him?\u2019 he asked simply.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul shook his head. \u2018Nothing at the moment,\u2019 he said. \u2018Probably nothing anyway,\u2019 he added bitterly. He glanced up and looked at Ben\u2019s face. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Ben,\u2019 he said. \u2018I didn\u2019t mean that. I\u2019m just \u2026 I don\u2019t know.\u2019\u00a0 Ben nodded sympathetically. \u2018I need to talk to that man,\u2019 Paul went on.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t you worry,\u2019 said Ben confidently. \u2018My boys will bring him here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I said move!\u2019 shouted Adam, pulling out his gun and pointing it at Jeremiah. \u2018Now!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018All right, all right!\u2019 said the man, holding up his hands. \u2018I\u2019m coming. Don\u2019t get so irate my good man.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And we\u2019ll just bring some of that there pain killer,\u2019 added Hoss, picking up a bottle. \u2018The Doc wants ta see what\u2019s in it.\u2019 He shoved Jeremiah in front of him and the three of them walked down the street towards Paul\u2019s office. As they entered it, Hoss gave Jeremiah another shove. \u2018Here he is Doc,\u2019 he said. \u2018Him and some of that there pain killer.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah and Paul looked each other up and down for a second. \u2018So you\u2019re the Doc round here,\u2019 said Jeremiah, holding out his hand. \u2018Pleased to meet you Doc.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul ignored the other man\u2019s hand and instead grabbed the bottle that Hoss was holding out to him. \u2018What is in this?\u2019 he demanded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah shrugged. \u2018Bits of things,\u2019 he said, glancing over Paul\u2019s shoulder at Joe was still lying on the examining table. \u2018That\u2019s the boy \u2026 Joe \u2026. who I treated the other day.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Treated!\u2019 snorted Ben. \u2018That\u2019s my son and you did nothing of the kind. Treated indeed! You did more harm than good for the boy.\u2019\u00a0 He took a step forward. \u2018Is this the pain killer you gave him?\u2019 he asked. \u2018What else did you do to him?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah gave Ben a long appraising stare. \u2018You\u2019re the boy\u2019s father?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I just said I was,\u2019 shouted Ben. \u2018Out with it man!\u00a0 What did you do to him?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I healed him,\u2019 Jeremiah said. \u2018I laid my hands on him and healed him. If you had faith in almighty God then you\u2019d \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grabbed him by the collar and turned him to face Joe. \u2018You call that healing him?\u2019 he shouted. \u2018Look at him! For God\u2019s sake man!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah shook himself free. \u2018It\u2019s obvious that no one here has any faith,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll have you know that \u2026\u2019\u00a0 He stopped as Hoss grabbed him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Answer the Doc!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018What\u2019s in that there pain killer?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah tried to wriggle free of Hoss\u2019 grasp, but this time was unable to do so. \u2018Just a few herbs,\u2019 he finally said in a reluctant voice. \u2018Nothing that could harm him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nothing that could help him either!\u2019 said Paul angrily. He turned back to Joe again who was stirring. \u2018Joe?\u2019 he said. \u2018Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe put his head up and looked at the Doctor and his father. \u2018I \u2026 feel \u2026\u2019\u00a0 He leant forward and began to vomit and Ben grabbed a bowl and held it under his chin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Paul you\u2019ve got to help him,\u2019 he said, lying Joe down again as the youngster\u2019s retching finished. He wiped his son\u2019s face with a wet cloth. \u2018What can you do?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul hesitated. \u2018I told you Ben, I just don\u2019t know what the problem is at the moment.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to Jeremiah again. \u2018How long will it take before the effects of this so-called pain killer wears off?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah shrugged. \u2018A few hours,\u2019 he said. \u2018Depends on when he took it last though.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe?\u2019 said Ben, leaning over his son. \u2018Joe \u2026 son wake up.\u2019 Joe didn\u2019t respond. \u2018Paul?\u2019 said Ben anxiously. \u2018He\u2019s not waking!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul checked under the youngster\u2019s eyes. \u2018He\u2019s unconscious,\u2019 he said simply. \u2018The only thing we can do now is try and keep the fever down.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But you said that the fever isn\u2019t the real problem,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You said that something is causing it.\u00a0 We have to know what so that you can treat it don\u2019t we?\u2019 Paul said nothing. \u2018Paul?\u2019 said Ben anxiously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Doctor turned away from the table. \u2018I don\u2019t know Ben,\u2019 he said in a low voice. \u2018I don\u2019t know much of anything at the moment. Whatever is causing this won\u2019t become obvious until that pain killer wears off and Joe \u2026\u2019 he looked at the youngster anxiously. \u2018While he\u2019s unconscious he\u2019s unable to tell us when<\/em> it does or where the pain is if<\/em> it does.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sat down heavily on a chair next to the examining table. \u2018So we wait?\u2019 he said wearily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul nodded. \u2018Yes.\u00a0 We wait,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Night was closing in and the shadows in the room were lengthening before Joe stirred again.\u00a0 Immediately, Ben was at his side and Adam and Hoss lifted their heads in anticipation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Paul?\u2019 said Ben, over his shoulder. \u2018He\u2019s coming to.\u2019\u00a0 There was no response and so he turned to look at the Doctor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul was sitting at the table with Jeremiah.\u00a0 One hand was fingering the still half-empty bottle of whiskey in front of him and the other was twirling the empty glass around. \u2018Paul?\u2019 said Ben sternly. \u2018Joe needs you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul looked up at his friend, his eyes reflecting his conflict. \u2018What?\u2019 he asked softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben strode over to the Doctor. \u2018I said that Joe needs you,\u2019 he said, putting the bottle of whiskey firmly across on the other side of the table. \u2018Come on.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul stood up and followed Ben to the examining table, just as Joe opened his eyes. \u2018Joe?\u2019 said Ben, leaning over the table. \u2018How do you feel son?\u2019\u00a0 Joe didn\u2019t respond, but simply looked at his father through his half-opened eyes. \u2018Joseph?\u2019 Ben tried again. \u2018Can you hear me?\u2019 Joe nodded. \u2018Where does it hurt Joe?\u2019 asked Ben. There was no response from the youngster, and Joe closed his eyes again. \u2018He\u2019s not responding,\u2019 said Ben. He looked at Paul, but the Doctor said nothing. \u2018Paul?\u2019 asked Ben finally.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul sighed wearily and then took Joe\u2019s face in between his two hands and held onto it firmly so that the boy couldn\u2019t turn away. \u2018Joe?\u2019 he said. \u2018Can you hear me?\u2019 Joe opened his eyes again and nodded slightly. \u2018Does it hurt anywhere?\u2019 asked Paul. \u2018I have to know where the pain is son.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u2018No \u2026 no \u2026 pain,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Hot \u2026 feel \u2026 hot.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know,\u2019 said Paul as he let go of the youngster\u2019s face. \u2018It hasn\u2019t worn off yet,\u2019 he said to Ben and turned away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s it?\u2019 said Ben. \u2018That\u2019s all you have to say?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What do you want me to say?\u2019 asked Paul in a low voice. \u2018I\u2019ve told you before what the situation is.\u00a0 Without knowing where the internal infection is coming from \u2026 what do you want me to do?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben grabbed the other man by the shoulders and pulled him around until they were facing each other. \u2018The Paul Martin I know would do something!\u2019 he spat out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul shook himself free. \u2018Well I\u2019m sorry I\u2019m not the man you thought I was,\u2019 he said bitterly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But you are!\u201d insisted Ben. \u2018I\u2019ve known you for years Paul.\u00a0 I know without a doubt that you will not let my son die without a fight.\u2019\u00a0 He stared at the Doctor who refused to meet his gaze. \u2018Paul?\u2019 he said. \u2018I trust you. Whatever you do for Joe \u2026 I know it will be the right thing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul finally met his friend\u2019s eyes. \u2018You shouldn\u2019t trust me,\u2019 he said, shaking his head. \u2018I\u2019ll let you down Ben.\u00a0 I \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Paul I\u2019ve always had faith in you and I always will,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I need you now.\u00a0 Joe needs you now.\u2019\u00a0 He looked deeply into his friend\u2019s eyes. \u2018Please?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul hesitated for a few seconds and then glanced at the young man on the examining table. \u2018If we wait any longer we\u2019re likely to lose him,\u2019 he acknowledged.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Then don\u2019t wait,\u2019 said Ben as he kept staring at the Doctor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You know what that means?\u2019 asked Paul. \u2018You\u2019re asking me to open him up perhaps unnecessarily.\u00a0 There could be no reason for me to operate.\u00a0 He might recover \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And he might not,\u2019 finished Ben. \u2018You just said yourself that something inside must be causing that infection.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But without knowing what \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Paul all those years of training and experience must count for something,\u2019 persisted Ben. \u2018You have to be able to make an educated guess.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018I \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Have faith in yourself,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I do.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul looked at his friend with tears in his eyes. \u2018You\u2019d trust Joe\u2019s life to me?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Haven\u2019t I always?\u2019 said Ben with a smile. \u2018Since the day he was born \u2026 actually before.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul returned the smile. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said simply. \u2018So you have \u2026 I\u2019ll operate.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly there was a flurry of activity in the room as Paul began to get his instruments together and to give instructions. \u2018Hoss \u2026 I\u2019ll need lots of hot water.\u00a0 Get some more wood on that fire. Adam \u2026 in the next room \u2026 lots of towels in the cupboard there.\u00a0 Ben \u2026 Help me to get him undressed.\u2019 He glanced over at Jeremiah and said hesitated. \u2018I could use some more light over here,\u2019 he said finally.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah looked up and nodded.\u00a0 He walked over to the examining table and began to light the lamps as Paul got his instruments ready.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben listened to the ticking of the clock on the wall as he stared at it. It was strange how time seemed to go so slowly in situations like this and yet at other times it simply raced past. \u2018Hold this.\u2019 He reached out to take the bloody towel from Paul, trying desperately not to look down at the table in front of him as he did so. He had insisted on being the one to stand by the Doctor and help him as the operation took place, for there was no way that would have let Adam or Hoss have to endure this \u2026 and there was no way that he would have let Jeremiah near Joe \u2026 but even so he didn\u2019t want to have to look at anything that he absolutely didn\u2019t have to. Instead he spent the minutes looking at the clock and praying silently as he obeyed the Doctor\u2019s instructions without a word.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After what seemed like hours to Ben, but as he knew from the clock was in fact only one hour, Paul spoke the words that he\u2019d been longing to hear. \u2018There \u2026 I\u2019ve finished the stitches.\u2019\u00a0 Ben breathed a sigh of relief and allowed himself to look down for the first time since the operation had begun.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul had covered the wound with a cloth, which Ben was mighty grateful for. His eyes travelled quickly from Joe\u2019s stomach to his face, searching for a sign \u2026 any sign \u2026 that would tell him that his son was all right, but Joe was pale and still and Ben finally looked at Paul with a question in his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It was his spleen,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018It was very close to rupturing.\u00a0 If I hadn\u2019t operated, I think he would have been dead before morning.\u2019 Ben waited. \u2018I\u2019ve drained it,\u2019 continued the Doctor as he wiped his bloody instruments on a cloth. \u2018We\u2019ll just have to wait and see now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben let out the breath that he\u2019d been holding and closed his eyes momentarily. He opened them again and put his hand on Paul\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said simply.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I ain\u2019t never seen anything like that,\u2019 said Jeremiah. \u2018You did well Doc.\u2019 Paul looked across at the man and said nothing. \u2018No I mean it,\u2019 continued Jeremiah. \u2018That was sure pretty stitching if ever there was. I reckon you just saved that boy\u2019s life.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No thanks to you!\u2019 retorted Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I just did what I was trained to do,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018No more and no less.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018There\u2019s a lot more to that than training and skill,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018I reckon the Lord was here with you tonight helping guide your hand.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul smiled for the first time. \u2018I think you might be right at that,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe?\u00a0 Can you hear me? Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe opened his eyes and smiled up at the Doctor. \u2018Hi Doc Martin,\u2019 he said. \u2018What are you doing here?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul smiled across the table at Ben. \u2018What am I doing here?\u2019 he said teasingly. \u2018More to the point what are you doing here young man?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned his head and looked at the wall. \u2018Ain\u2019t I at home?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No.\u00a0 You\u2019re in my office.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you remember?\u2019 Joe shook his head. \u2018Hoss brought you in sick yesterday afternoon,\u2019 said the Doctor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Did he? Why?\u2019\u00a0 Joe tried to move on the table and winced. \u2018Ow!\u2019 he said. \u2018Something hurts.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul placed his hands on the young man\u2019s shoulders. \u2018Now you just lie still,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019ve got some stitches there that you\u2019re going to have to be careful of.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned up at him. \u2018I do?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes you do,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Now lie still as the Doctor says young man.\u2019\u00a0 He watched as Paul felt Joe\u2019s forehead. \u2018He seems cooler,\u2019 he added.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He is,\u2019 Paul agreed. \u2018I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be fine now. The worst is over.\u2019 He straightened up. \u2018Ben why don\u2019t you get some sleep now?\u00a0 I can watch him for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018You look as bad as I\u2019m sure I do,\u2019 he said. He glanced over to the table where Adam, Hoss and Jeremiah were slumped. \u2018And those three.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul gave a short laugh. \u2018We\u2019re all going to need some sleep,\u2019 he agreed. \u2018Especially you,\u2019 he added to Joe. \u2018Now close those eyes again please.\u2019 Joe sighed and closed his eyes without another word. \u2018Well that\u2019s a first,\u2019 said Paul with a grin. \u2018He doesn\u2019t usually obey me as quickly as that.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I have a feeling that Joe isn\u2019t going to have any energy to make a fuss about anything for a while,\u2019 said Ben, returning the grin. \u2018Come on Paul, let\u2019s wake these three up and organise some sleeping arrangements.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m awake Pa,\u2019 said Adam from the corner.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So am I,\u2019 said Hoss as he stretched. He nudged Jeremiah who lifted his head form the table and blinked as he looked around.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Is it morning?\u2019 he asked sleepily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It sure is,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018And now that little brother is on the mend I for one vote for some shut eye.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not before breakfast,\u2019 said Hoss with a grin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam groaned. \u2018Come on then.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll be able to persuade Sadie at the International House to open her kitchen for us this early.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to Jeremiah. \u2018You coming?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah stared at him. \u2018You want me to join you?\u2019 he asked. \u2018After all that has happened?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shrugged. \u2018It\u2019s like Adam done said Mr Godfrey,\u2019 he said. \u2018Little brother over is gonna be OK.\u00a0 We don\u2019t hold no grudges.\u2019 His eyes narrowed. \u2018If he\u2019d ain\u2019t been all right though it woulda been a different story.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018True,\u2019 said Ben from behind them. \u2018Mr Godfrey you can count yourself lucky that I\u2019m not pressing charges against you for fraud,\u2019 he said. \u2018As a matter of fact \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He stopped as the door opened and Angus Morton came into the room. \u2018Sorry to interrupt Ben,\u2019 he said. It\u2019s just that folks outside are wondering how the boy is doing.\u2019\u00a0 He stole a glance in Joe\u2019s direction. \u2018He OK?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019s doing fine now,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018Thank them for their concern will you please Angus? As a matter of fact I\u2019ll do it myself.\u2019\u00a0 He walked outside, followed by the others. \u2018Thank you everyone,\u2019 he said in a loud clear voice. \u2018Joe is doing fine now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The large crowd which had gathered outside all smiled back at him. \u2018Thank God!\u2019 said someone at the back and several of the men in the front slapped Ben on the back. \u2018That\u2019s wonderful news Ben,\u2019 said Angus.\u00a0 \u2018We all knew that you\u2019d sent for Jeremiah, so we knew that \u2026 Ah!\u00a0 Here he is now!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Everyone clapped as Jeremiah stepped out onto the sidewalk. The man stood for a moment nonplussed and then held up his hands. \u2018Please!\u2019 he said. \u2018There\u2019s no need for that!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well done!\u2019 shouted someone from the crowd and everyone started cheering.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You saved that boy\u2019s life Jeremiah,\u2019 said Angus, slapping him on the back. \u2018You sure are \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I did nothing of the kind!\u2019 said Jeremiah quickly. There was a stunned silence as everyone took in his words. \u2018Here\u2019s the man you should be clapping,\u2019 he continued, pulling Paul forward. \u2018He saved Joe Cartwright\u2019s life, not me!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Everyone stared first at Jeremiah and then at Paul Martin in silence until slowly the sound of clapping began again. \u2018Well done Doc Martin!\u2019 called out a voice from the crowd and the clapping got louder. Jeremiah smiled at the Doctor and reached his hand out. \u2018Well I reckon I\u2019ll be on my way Doc,\u2019 he said. \u2018Ain\u2019t no room for two of us in this town.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul looked at the hand and then grasped it firmly within his own two. \u2018Goodbye Jeremiah,\u2019 he said. \u2018I won\u2019t be forgetting you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nor I you Doc,\u2019 said Jeremiah. \u2018I reckon I might find another form of business from now on.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I reckon that might be a good idea,\u2019 said the Doctor with a smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jeremiah winked at Ben and then headed off down the street. Gradually the crowd dispersed until only the Cartwrights and Paul were left standing on the sidewalk. \u2018so you\u2019re still not thinking of moving on then?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul made a face. \u2018I don\u2019t think so,\u2019 he said simply.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well I don\u2019t know about you,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018But my stomach thinks my throat\u2019s been cut right about now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You two go and get something to eat,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Paul and I will go when you get back.\u2019\u00a0 He shut the door behind him as he and Doctor walked back into the office.\u00a0 They stood looking at the young man on the bed in silence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I think Jeremiah knew a lot more than we thought,\u2019 said Ben after a few minutes. Paul gave him a puzzled look. \u2018All medicine is simply a matter of faith to some degree isn\u2019t it?\u201d continued Ben. \u2018Faith in God and faith in the Doctor\u2019s ability that the Lord has given him.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled at his friend. \u2018Don\u2019t you ever doubt that ability again Paul,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul shook his head as he stared down at the sleeping youngster on the table in front of them. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018I never will.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The End<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summary:\u00a0 A faith healer comes to town and causes problems for Dr. Martin and the Cartwrights.
\nRating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (14,600 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":128,"featured_media":3478,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,1008],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-65386","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65386","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/128"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=65386"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65386\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3478"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=65386"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=65386"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=65386"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}