{"id":7195,"date":"2005-01-12T17:01:11","date_gmt":"2005-01-12T22:01:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7195"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:10","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:10","slug":"desperate-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7195","title":{"rendered":"Desperate Times (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Disaster lies ahead when the hunters become the hunted.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0WC \u00a010,000<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Desperate Times<\/strong><\/p>\n

With a savage growl, the big cat launched itself through the air at the unsuspecting man below. Hearing the growl, the man whirled, seeing only a tawny blur heading towards him. He had no time to think or act, only react. Instinctively, he brought up the gun he was carrying and used it as a club.<\/p>\n

The blow connected, but not with the force the man had hoped. The cat missed its initial grasp, but was not deterred. Still snarling, it turned sinuously and clawed at the man. He dodged back, but not in time. The man felt the claws curl into his leg. He screamed.<\/p>\n

Had he been alone, the man quite likely would have died at the hands of the enraged predator. But he wasn\u2019t alone; his brother appeared from the trees and stepped in, kicking the cat hard in the ribs. The cat lost its grip and, thwarted, turned on this new intruder.<\/p>\n

The brother\u2019s gun spoke, but it made no discernable impression, just as the first bullet hadn\u2019t. The big cat kept on coming and the brother went down under its weight, feeling the claws tearing into his back and the jaws fastening around the arm he flung up to protect his face and neck.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, he realised that the teeth chewing on his arm were weakening and abruptly, the cat collapsed, its weight, all 180lbs of it, pressing the brother to the ground, pinning him there. The cat had breathed its last, the bullets finally working together to rob it of its life.<\/p>\n

Bleeding and badly shaken, on the verge of going into shock, the brother knew he didn\u2019t have the strength to get the cat off himself, yet if he didn\u2019t do it now, he would never manage. He pushed futilely against the warm, soft fur, groaning with the effort, but not making much impression.<\/p>\n

Then, the cat moved and for a moment, the brother thought that it had not died. But no, as the body of the cat was dragged off him, he saw his brother standing there. Blood ran down one thigh and he was as white as a ghost, but he was alive. That was all that mattered at that moment.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wish Hoss was home to go with you,\u201d Ben fretted. \u201cBut he\u2019s not due back till tomorrow at the earliest and we can\u2019t afford to lose any more calves to that cat.\u201d Big cats were rare in Nevada, but one had been decimating his new calves and Ben couldn\u2019t afford for the situation to go on any longer.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be careful, Pa,\u201d Adam promised.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, very careful,\u201d Joe agreed. Hunting cats was tricky. There was always the chance that they could turn on you and you never saw or heard them until they were on top of you. The more men there were around, the better. But with Hoss away, only Joe and Adam were free.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell.\u201d Ben couldn\u2019t actually think of anything else to say that wouldn\u2019t mean repeating himself, so he contented himself with just giving his sons a smile. \u201cSee you soon, I hope.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBye, Pa.\u201d Both boys touched their heels to their horses and the animals obediently moved out, Joe leading the pack horse on the end of a long lead.<\/p>\n

Watching them go, Ben hoped that his discomfort about this trip was only parental paranoia working overtime. Adam and Joe were both more than capable of doing the job required. He shook the melancholy thoughts from his head and went back into the house.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

Starting from the last known location of the cat, Joe and Adam followed the tracks it had left, up into the high country. Neither of them was surprised at this; cats liked their solitude and the high, rocky country would provide it with more than adequate cover.<\/p>\n

They tracked for several hours before they lost the trail, at which point Joe voted that they stop for lunch. They ate the sandwiches that Hop Sing had made for them before they left the house and drank only water, to save time making a fire. Then, Adam went to replenish the canteens and water the horses and Joe scouted around to see if he could find the trail again. When they met back by the horses, both missions had been accomplished.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver that way,\u201d Joe told Adam, pointing. \u201cLooks like he\u2019s going higher up Wild Horse Ridge.\u201d He made a face.<\/p>\n

Understanding the reason for the face \u2013 Joe didn\u2019t like heights \u2013 Adam didn\u2019t comment on it. Nor did he offer to go on alone. That would have been insulting to Joe, never mind foolish. \u201cLet\u2019s go then,\u201d he suggested and mounted Sport.<\/p>\n

All the time that they rode, the brothers kept an eye on their horses\u2019 behaviour. The animals would know sooner than they if the cat was around. But the three equines showed no undue alarm and after another few hours, they began to wonder if they were following a dead trail.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d better stop and make camp,\u201d Adam declared at last. The daylight was waning. \u201cIt\u2019ll be dark by the time we\u2019re settled.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hadn\u2019t noticed how late it was getting,\u201d Joe admitted, glancing up at the cloudless blue sky above him. There was a tell-tale hint of pink along the edges of the mountains. \u201cYou\u2019re right. And I\u2019m hungry.\u201d He grinned at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t tell me you\u2019re going to eat like Hoss again tonight?\u201d Adam teased. \u201cYou ate enough for two at lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the fresh air,\u201d Joe responded blandly. \u201cIt gives me an appetite.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what\u2019s your excuse the rest of the time?\u201d Adam retorted, grinning, for Joe\u2019s appetite was big enough to rival Hoss\u2019 \u2013 unless he was upset, when he picked at his food and the flesh melted from his slender frame.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not my fault you get fat just looking at food, big brother,\u201d Joe sparked back, patting Adam\u2019s stomach before he made a strategic \u2013 and hasty! \u2013 retreat.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust wait!\u201d Adam threatened. He never made explicit threats, preferring to let Joe\u2019s imagination do the work for him.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

They were soon settled for the night, with a comparatively big fire and the horses tethered close by. There was no point in offering the horses as a meal to the lion if they could avoid it. As usual, they had split the camp chores between them and having eaten, were now relaxing.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou get to do the dishes,\u201d Adam reminded Joe. He sounded sleepy.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey can wait till morning,\u201d Joe muttered. He was replete and reluctant to move from the warmth of the fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo they can\u2019t,\u201d Adam replied. He sounded slightly more awake and ever so slightly annoyed. \u201cWe\u2019ll need them again come morning. Go and do them now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Heaving a sigh, Joe got to his feet and collected the dishes, muttering under his breath. It annoyed him that Adam still sometimes talked to him like he was still a little boy needing to be told what to do and it annoyed him even more that he still responded to that tone of voice as though he was a little boy. As he walked down to the creek in the soft darkness, Joe suddenly grinned to himself as his mood shifted. Compared to the other Cartwrights, he was still \u2018little\u2019, even if he wasn\u2019t a boy any more.<\/p>\n

The water in the creek was cold and Joe shivered as he plunged his hands in. He consoled himself that it would be Adam\u2019s turn to do this the following morning and his thoughts turned inexorably towards bed as he mechanically performed his chore.<\/p>\n

It was only as he rose to go back up to camp that some sixth sense alerted Joe to the fact that he wasn\u2019t alone. The hair on the back of his neck suddenly stood up and he paused uncertainly, peering around in the darkness, trying to see what was there. His skin was covered in goose bumps, his breath shortening in response to his anxiety. He fought the urge to say \u2018\u201dHello?\u201d<\/p>\n

Everything was still. The breeze rustled in the trees, but apart from that, there was no noise. Joe swallowed dryly. No noise. He knew that wasn\u2019t a good sign. He glanced around once more, but nothing was visible in the deepening shadows.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t have his gun with him. It was back in camp. What was it they had said? Oh yes, we\u2019ll be careful, Pa. He hadn\u2019t been careful \u2013 not at all. Joe clutched the dishes in his arms more tightly and lifted his chin. He couldn\u2019t stand there all night. Resolutely, Joe took a step forward.<\/p>\n

A shadow launched itself at him and Joe turned to greet it, dropping the tin plates and frying pan with a resounding crash. Seconds later, he was knocked off his feet and the cat cannoned off him, scared away by the sudden, unexpected noise. Joe landed with a splash in the river.<\/p>\n

As he sat up, shaken by his close encounter, Joe heard Adam calling his name. Moments later, his older brother came barrelling into sight, carrying a burning torch from the fire, his gun in his other hand. He skidded to a halt and looked all around. \u201cJoe? Are you all right?\u201d he panted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe replied, suddenly feeling his knees shaking. He pushed himself to his feet and sloshed his way to the shore, where Adam was waiting to help him out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was it?\u201d Adam asked, his gun now in his holster. \u201cThe cat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe cat,\u201d Joe agreed, nodding. He started to shiver as the wind hit his wet clothes.<\/p>\n

Assessing Joe\u2019s condition quickly, Adam noted that there was no sign of any blood. \u201cLet\u2019s go back to camp and you can get out of those wet clothes,\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cG-good thinking,\u201d Joe chattered. He bent over and retrieved the plates, hurrying after Adam. They were both keen to get back to the relative safety of the fire.<\/p>\n

The camp was undisturbed, which was a relief to them both. Neither of them had been able to voice their fear that the cat would beat them back there and make a meal of the horses. But the fire, and the proximity of the horses to it, seemed to have kept the cat away.<\/p>\n

While Adam threw more wood on the fire, Joe stripped off his wet clothes and wrapped himself in his bedroll. He spread the wet things out to dry by the fire and hunkered down close to it, still shivering. After a moment, Adam\u2019s bedroll dropped over his shoulders. Joe glanced up and smiled at his brother. \u201cThanks.\u201d He gestured to the coffee pot. \u201cAny more in there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Adam responded and poured Joe a cup. They both knew it would be comparatively cool, but Joe needed something warm inside him. He clasped his icy hands around the cup and relished the warmth that seemed to seep into his bones as he sipped.<\/p>\n

Seeing the colour return to Joe\u2019s face, Adam relaxed. \u201cFeeling better?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI\u2019m just tired now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen get some sleep,\u201d Adam suggested. \u201cI\u2019ll stay awake for a bit, but with a fire this size, I don\u2019t think we need to worry about an unexpected visitor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u201d Joe lay down, snuggling himself deeper into his bedroll. Adam took his own one back, knowing that if he didn\u2019t do it then, he was liable to spend the night without it.<\/p>\n

Warm again and feeling safe, Joe slid into sleep.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think we should spend another night out in the open,\u201d Adam remarked over breakfast. \u201cWe saw what happened last night and we don\u2019t want a repeat performance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019ve you got in mind?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a line shack a couple of miles from here,\u201d Adam reminded him. \u201cIt\u2019s got a proper stable, not just a lean-to. The horses would be safe there and we could track on foot. Then, we can get back there again for tonight. That way, we\u2019ll all sleep soundly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe could think of a few reasons against using the shack as a base, the main one being that there was no guarantee that the big cat would stay in the immediate area. However, after the fright he had had the previous evening, he wasn\u2019t in the mood to quibble. \u201cAll right,\u201d he agreed.<\/p>\n

Relieved that Joe wasn\u2019t going to argue with him, Adam started clearing away the remains of the meal. Joe went to saddle the horses and after the fire was extinguished, they went together to the creek, taking the horses, and dealt with the dishes. Then they mounted up and headed to the line shack.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take long to get the horses settled into the stable and they dumped their saddles in the shack before taking the supplies they would need for the day\u2019s hunt \u2013 food, water, rifles and ammunition. For an instant, the brothers hesitated, looking at one another, silently reassuring themselves that they had everything they needed.<\/p>\n

They stepped out into the sunshine. The morning was barely half over. They had the whole day in front of them. They would get the cat before the day was out.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

The tracks were easy to find, Joe thought, as they resumed their search. He frowned, wondering if they were too easy to find. It was almost as though the lion was taunting them. Joe shook his head. This was a cat, for crying out loud! Why was he imbuing it with human attributes? Joe knew better than that.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam asked, having watched the play of thoughts across his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d Joe replied, but the unease was still there and he decided to voice his thoughts. \u201cWell, I don\u2019t know.\u201d He looked down at the tracks again. \u201cThese tracks are fresh, Adam. It\u2019s almost as though the cat wants to be found.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it\u2019s a cat,\u201d Adam responded. \u201cYou make it sound like a person.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe sighed. \u201cAnd I know its not. But think about this, big brother. These tracks are on top of the tracks we left getting to the line shack.\u201d He looked up and their gazes locked. Joe didn\u2019t need to say it, but he did anyway.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been following us.\u201d<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

They went into cautious mode at once. The tracks petered out again on rocky ground a little further on and the brothers exchanged a glance before they continued on into the wooded area. Both knew that the cat was now in its element, but since it had been tracking them, they couldn\u2019t afford to waste any more time. They had to get that cat!<\/p>\n

By unspoken agreement, they didn\u2019t stray from each other\u2019s sight initially. As the trees became denser, occasionally, one or other would lose sight of his brother and hurry through the obstruction until they were once more in sight.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook!\u201d The word was barely more than a breath against Joe\u2019s ear. He froze, following Adam\u2019s gaze as his brother raised his rifle. The cat was sitting sunning itself on a rock. Moving slowly, Adam drew a bead on the animal. Just as he pulled the trigger, the breeze shifted and took their scent to the cat. It moved as Adam fired.<\/p>\n

The bullet hit, they were pretty sure of that, but it didn\u2019t bring the cat down.<\/p>\n

The day grew oppressively warm and still. At noon, the brothers broke for a quick meal, which was consumed in silence. \u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d Adam suggested, curtly. The tension in the air could have been cut with a knife.<\/p>\n

A shiver crept down Joe\u2019s backbone, despite the heat. \u201cAll right,\u201d he agreed. \u201cI\u2019ll just get some more water.\u201d His canteen was almost empty and he was sure that Adam\u2019s was the same. All the way through lunch, they had been able to hear a stream nearby.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful,\u201d Adam advised, tossing Joe his canteen.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou too,\u201d Joe replied and hurried down the slope. Adam rose to his feet to watch Joe\u2019s departure.<\/p>\n

The stream was visible through the trees depending on where you stood and Adam moved slightly when Joe vanished from his sight. For an instant, fear clenched his guy, but then Joe reappeared and Adam watched him fill the canteens. Satisfied that all was well, Adam stepped back as Joe began the return journey.<\/p>\n

With a savage growl, the big cat launched itself through the air at the unsuspecting man below. Hearing the growl, Adam whirled, seeing only a tawny blur heading towards him. He had no time to think or act, only react. Instinctively, he brought up the gun he was carrying and used it as a club.<\/p>\n

The blow connected, but not with the force he had hoped. The cat missed its initial grasp, but was not deterred. Still snarling, it turned sinuously and clawed at the man. He dodged back, but not in time. Adam felt the claws curl into his leg. He screamed.<\/p>\n

Had he been alone, Adam quite likely would have died at the hands of the enraged predator. But he wasn\u2019t alone; Joe appeared from the trees and stepped in, kicking the cat hard in the ribs. The cat lost its grip and, thwarted, turned on this new intruder.<\/p>\n

Then Joe\u2019s gun spoke, but it made no discernable impression, just as the first bullet hadn\u2019t. The big cat kept on coming and he went down under its weight, feeling the claws tearing into his back and the jaws fastening around the arm he flung up to protect his face and neck.
\nSuddenly, he realised that the teeth chewing on his arm were weakening and abruptly, the cat collapsed, its weight, all 180lbs of it, pressing Joe to the ground, pinning him there. The cat had breathed its last, the bullets finally working together to rob it of its life.<\/p>\n

Bleeding and badly shaken, on the verge of going into shock, Joe knew he didn\u2019t have the strength to get the cat off himself, yet if he didn\u2019t do it now, he would never manage. He pushed futilely against the warm, soft fur, groaning with the effort, but not making much impression.<\/p>\n

Then, the cat moved and for a moment, Joe thought that it had not died. But no, as the body of the cat was dragged off him, he saw his brother standing there. Blood ran down one thigh and he was as white as a ghost, but Adam was alive. That was all that mattered at that moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe had scrambled up the slope, he heard the unmistakable growl of a cat followed by the most terrifying sound in the world \u2013 his brother\u2019s scream of pain. Joe drew his hand gun, even knowing that it probably wasn\u2019t big enough to kill the cat.<\/p>\n

Cresting the slope, he saw the cat on top of Adam and he reacted instantly in the only way he could \u2013 he kicked the creature in the ribs. He dropped the canteens as the cat turned on him and he fired at point blank range, seeing the blood spurting, but it made no impression. The cat was on him in a heartbeat.<\/p>\n

Joe went down, throwing up his arm to protect his face, feeling the lion chewing on him and he cried out in pain. Claws bit into him, and Joe knew he was doomed. And then the cat\u2019s struggles weakened as its life ebbed away and it suddenly collapsed on top of Joe, dead.<\/p>\n

Shaken, injured, Joe pushed futilely at the corpse, knowing that he had to get to Adam, to see how badly injured his brother was. But the body of the cat was too heavy to allow him the necessary leverage to push it off him. Yet Joe knew that if he didn\u2019t manage, he would never get the cat off him. He groaned with the effort.<\/p>\n

When the cat moved, Joe thought for one horrible instant that it hadn\u2019t died after all and that his torture wasn\u2019t over. And then the cat was gone and Joe beheld his brother standing there.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t think he had ever seen a nicer sight.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

As the initial euphoria wore off, shock set in. Adam was bleeding profusely from his thigh, but had concluded that his femoral artery was intact, simply from the fact he was still alive. He slumped to the ground next to Joe and looked at his younger brother worriedly.<\/p>\n

Joe was covered in blood. It was everywhere \u2013 on his face, on his arms, his legs, his back. His clothes were soaked in it and it was difficult to tell where it was coming from. The younger man was visibly trembling and even as Adam helped Joe sit up, the shock and blood loss became too much and he slumped down to the ground, unconscious.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Adam leant over Joe, relieved to see his brother was still breathing. He was alarmed when his own head swam dizzily at the movement. He knew he had to do something, but his thinking was fuzzy and it took him several long moments to realise that he had to stem the bleeding, both his and Joe\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Stripping off his shirt, Adam ripped the sleeves out and then bound them, one at a time, over the wound in his thigh. His pants leg was in ribbons and he could see the injury quite clearly. It was deep and long and it burned. He tied the rest of his shirt over the top, hoping the pressure would stop the bleeding.<\/p>\n

Satisfied that he had done what he could for himself, Adam grabbed one of the canteens and turned his attention to Joe. Using the bandanna from his pocket, he cleaned the blood from Joe\u2019s face and was highly relieved to discover that it didn\u2019t come from Joe. It must have come from the cat. For a few seconds, Adam allowed himself the notion that all the blood on Joe belonged to the cat, but as he proceeded, he quickly learned that it didn\u2019t. Joe was bleeding from half a dozen bites on his right arm and his back had parallel claw marks just below each shoulder, where the cat had clung to its victim.<\/p>\n

All Adam could do was pour water on each wound and then bind it up as best he could, using the bloody remains of Joe\u2019s torn shirt. As he worked, Joe mumbled several times, wincing, reassuring Adam that he was coming out of his faint. But that was the only reassuring sign. The wounds were all starting to swell and Adam didn\u2019t know if this was a natural reaction to the abuse Joe\u2019s body had taken, or if it was a sign of infection.<\/p>\n

Infection\u2026 the word suddenly hammered in Adam\u2019s brain and he glanced around at the dead cat. What if it had rabies? Fear shortened Adam\u2019s breath, for he knew that rabies was a killer. But the animal appeared to be all right and for a moment, Adam breathed easier. This was all so reminiscent of the time he had accidentally shot Joe while out hunting for a wolf \u2013 except this time, Adam was injured too. For a moment, he allowed his despair to over take him. How would they ever get home?<\/p>\n

He forced himself to his feet and instantly a blaze of white hot pain shot through his leg. Adam felt dizzy and was no longer aware as he plummeted to the ground to lie beside his brother.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

Groaning, Joe came back to consciousness. He felt utterly wretched, with pain radiating throughout his body; a burning pain that seemed to reach deep into his soul. He moaned again and forced his eyes open, slightly surprised to see that he was outside.<\/p>\n

But as he turned his head, Joe saw Adam and the cat and memory came back with a rush. He remembered the cat jumping him and knew then what had caused the pain. However, his chief concern was his unconscious brother. Joe rolled over, gritting his teeth against the pain the movement caused him and ignoring the warm trickle that started to ooze down his arms and back. He knew it was blood.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe shook his brother, but the only response was a groan. Spying the canteen, Joe reached for it, crying aloud as the movement hurt him.<\/p>\n

Panting, Joe manoeuvred himself so that he was kneeling and tilted Adam\u2019s head so he could trickle some water into his brother\u2019s mouth. Adam swallowed convulsively and a moment or two later, his eyes flickered open. \u201cJoe?\u201d Adam looked confused, but only for a moment. \u201cWhat\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got to\u2026 get back\u2026 to the\u2026 shack,\u201d Joe panted. \u201cWe can\u2019t\u2026 stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve lost too much blood,\u201d Adam mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo have\u2026 you,\u201d Joe replied. He didn\u2019t want Adam to argue with him about this. Joe knew his thinking was fuzzy but he knew that they couldn\u2019t spend the night outside, not in the condition they were in. The exposure would most likely kill them and the smell of the blood would attract predators. No, there was no way they could stay where they were. \u201cWe\u2019ll help\u2026 each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026\u201d Adam tried to protest, but Joe over rode him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s too dangerous to stay here!\u201d he whispered fiercely. \u201cCome on, Adam, we can do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u201d As Adam\u2019s head cleared, he realised that Joe was right. But it was going to be tough \u2013 probably the toughest thing they had ever had to do. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

Stopping and starting, leaning heavily on Joe and his rifle, Adam hopped clumsily through the trees towards the shack. Within a few steps, both brothers were breathing hard and they had to stop to rest more often than either of them cared to admit. If Adam had had enough breath, he would have told Joe they were being foolish. Neither of them had the energy to spare for that kind of exertion and he knew that they were both losing blood. Yet they had no choice. Help wouldn\u2019t come in time for them, if at all. Ben did not know exactly where they were and by the time they were found, they would most likely be only half-eaten corpses. It was not a cheery thought.<\/p>\n

Having Adam\u2019s arm around his slender shoulders was not comfortable for Joe, but he didn\u2019t say a word. They had to get back to the shack. It was the only thought Joe would allow himself; his brother\u2019s survival rested on his shoulders, literally, and it was a responsibility that Joe took seriously. Adam was injured and Joe had to take care of him. Yet, for all that he \u2018allowed\u2019 himself only one thought, Joe was aware of the fact that his back bled intermittently and the pain was constant.<\/p>\n

Neither of them had any way to gauge how long it took them to reach the shack. Time was irrelevant. All that mattered was the next step, the next breath, the knowledge that his brother was relying on him. Each man kept going solely for the other. When they reached the shack, they were beyond exhausted.<\/p>\n

Opening the door, Joe helped Adam in and then eased him down onto the bunk. Adam\u2019s eyes were closed, his mouth open and his breath came in tortured gasps. His face was chalk white. Joe slumped to the floor, too tired to make the final effort to take the two steps that separated him from the other bunk. It took no more than seconds for the brothers to fall asleep.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon I c\u2019n find \u2018em tomorra, Pa,\u201d Hoss replied. He sounded supremely confident and Ben had no reason to doubt him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re that sure, I might just come with you,\u201d he smiled. \u201cWe\u2019re all finished around here for now and I haven\u2019t been hunting for ages.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, we\u2019ll set off in the mornin\u2019,\u201d Hoss agreed. He eyed Ben keenly for a moment. \u201cPa, is there somethin\u2019 botherin\u2019 ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBothering me? What do you mean?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno,\u201d Hoss admitted. \u201cYa jist seem\u2026\u201d Hoss paused and tried to find a word for the air that surrounded his father. \u201cWorried,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not worried!\u201d Ben scoffed, but the very vehemence of the words belied them. \u201cWhy would I be worried?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno,\u201d Hoss shrugged. He kept his gaze on Ben and saw the older man squirm. \u201cBut ya are, ain\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

Putting down the paper he had been going to read, Ben sighed heavily. \u201cI suppose I am worried,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI don\u2019t know why.\u201d He looked up. \u201cI\u2019m sure your brothers are all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure they are,\u201d Hoss agreed, but his words sounded hollow to them both.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

Unsure what had wakened him, Joe stirred uneasily. He was uncomfortable and the bed seemed hard and cold, yet he burned with fever. It required a lot of effort to open his eyes and Joe abandoned the attempt before he had even got started and just lay there, hoping that he would fall back to sleep.<\/p>\n

But the hardness of the bed, and a cold draught blowing against his legs wouldn\u2019t allow him to fall asleep and so he opened his eyes. Memory came rushing back and Joe realised that he was lying on the floor in the line shack. The draught was blowing in under the ill-hung door. Dusk was falling \u2013 in fact, night had fallen and Joe could barely discern the objects inside the shack.<\/p>\n

Immediately, his eyes sought his brother, lying on the bunk above him. Joe could see only a dark lump, but he could hear Adam\u2019s laboured breathing. It didn\u2019t sound good, but at least Adam was alive. Joe closed his eyes again.<\/p>\n

A shiver shook him and a river of pain ran through his back and down his left arm. It was all Joe could do not to cry aloud at the sheer agony. He lay there, almost sobbing to control the pain. But again, the cold draught caressed his aching body and Joe knew he had to get up. If he stayed on the floor, he was going to be in worse shape, come morning, than he already was. The thought of rising made him feel sick, but he concentrated on moving as slowly as he could, until he was finally on his knees, leaning against the bunk that Adam rested in.<\/p>\n

Glancing out of the dirty window, Joe could see that the moon was rising. The night was still and clear and it was still early enough in the season for them to have frost. They didn\u2019t have a fire. Gritting his teeth, Joe forced himself to his feet, hanging onto a chair until his spinning head settled.<\/p>\n

Luckily for Joe, the fire was already laid in the stove and it was simply a matter of lighting it. But Joe\u2019s hands were shaking so much that it took several attempts to light the match and even then, he feared that the kindling wouldn\u2019t catch. However, it finally burst into a reluctant flame and then the bigger pieces caught and within a few minutes, Joe could feel the warmth in the air.<\/p>\n

He was exhausted. Joe sat slumped bonelessly in the chair and felt his eyes start to droop close again. He shook his head to dispel the sleep. There was something he must do first \u2013 he had to check Adam.<\/p>\n

Stumbling to his feet once more, Joe staggered across the shack to collapse on the bunk. Adam stirred and Joe put his hand on his brother\u2019s forehead, checking for fever. It was difficult to tell if Adam was hot or not, for Joe\u2019s hand was icy cold. Adam flinched from the touch and opened his eyes. \u201cJoe?\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Joe tried to smile, but couldn\u2019t. \u201cWant a drink?\u201d He didn\u2019t wait for a reply, just tried to tilt Adam\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

Desperately thirsty, Adam propped himself on one elbow, all but snatching the canteen from Joe. He drank and drank, and Joe couldn\u2019t stop him, despite knowing that Adam should take it easy with the water. They only had a limited amount, and that would have to do them until someone came to their rescue. When Adam had finished, Joe took several mouthfuls himself, then put the canteen down. The brothers looked at each other.<\/p>\n

Adam was deeply concerned for Joe, despite the fact the younger man was up and around. Joe\u2019s face was pale and covered in a sheen of sweat. Dried blood clung to his clothing and Adam could see, through the tears in Joe\u2019s jacket, that his arms were red and inflamed looking. Joe was shivering, too.<\/p>\n

Joe was deeply concerned for Adam. His older brother had the whitest face Joe had ever seen on him and his mouth was pinched with pain. The makeshift bandages around his leg were stiff with dried blood and it was clear whenever Adam lifted his head that he was dizzy.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d you feel?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

Resisting the urge to shrug, knowing that it would cause him pain, Joe made a face. He couldn\u2019t lie and tell Adam he was \u2018fine\u2019; he was far too tired to make that effort. But nor did he feel he could tell the truth \u2013 that he felt dreadful. \u201cI\u2019m cold,\u201d he admitted at last.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat time is it?\u201d Adam asked. The room was lit only by the faint glow coming from the open door of the stove.<\/p>\n

\u201cDunno,\u201d Joe replied. He forced himself to concentrate. \u201cThe moon\u2019s just rising.\u201d It was too much effort to try and find a pocket watch. He swallowed. \u201cGonna lie down for a spell, Adam,\u201d he advised his brother. \u201cI\u2019m tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u201d Adam\u2019s stomach was roiling and he wondered if he was going to be sick. He knew he shouldn\u2019t have drunk the water so fast, but he was so thirsty. \u201cI don\u2019t feel good,\u201d he admitted and Joe looked alarmed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you gonna throw up?\u201d he asked, and sounded so panicked that Adam almost laughed. Almost.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d he grimaced, realising that there was no way to stop this.<\/p>\n

Frantic, not sure he would be able to control his own stomach, Joe looked round for a suitable receptacle. The only thing he could see was the bucket for water and he reached over for it, crying aloud as the movement ripped open the barely-scabbed places on his back. He dropped the bucket just in time as Adam reached to comfort his brother and the movement caused his head to swim and his stomach to heave violently.<\/p>\n

As Adam slumped back, exhausted, Joe forced himself to his feet once more, grabbing the bucket to empty the noisome contents outside. It was a trip that cost him immensely in energy that he didn\u2019t have to spare. Returning inside, he placed the bucket by Adam once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Adam told him. \u201cI could\u2019ve emptied it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t walk on that leg,\u201d Joe told him. \u201cIt\u2019s all right.\u201d He gave Adam a wan smile. \u201cI\u2019m gonna lie down now, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you need to rest, too,\u201d Adam replied. He watched worriedly as Joe shuffled over to the other bunk and lay down on it very carefully indeed. Adam knew they desperately needed help, but how were they going to get it? Neither of them was in any fit state to go for help.<\/p>\n

As a profound silence fell over the small shack, broken only by the crackle of flames in the stove, Adam wracked his brains, trying to think of a way out of their predicament. When he fell asleep, he still had not thought of anything.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt an inexplicable sense of urgency as he and Hoss packed their horses. He had barely eaten more than a mouthful of breakfast and Hoss had been infected with his father\u2019s worry and had rushed through his food and refused seconds.<\/p>\n

They were soon on the way, Hoss taking the lead. The trail was clear to follow and Hoss began to second-guess his brothers and take short cuts. His instincts proved to be right on the ball and by noon, they had found the place Adam and Joe had camped the first night.<\/p>\n

Stopping for a quick bite to eat, they were soon back on the trail. By now, it was obvious where they had been going and travel was much quicker. Ben felt himself start to relax. His fears surely were unfounded.<\/p>\n

But when they emerged into the clearing where the line shack stood, they all came back with a vengeance.<\/p>\n

Cochise was grazing in the sunlight, cropping the grass beside a still figure that Ben recognised at once as Joe. He was off his horse in a flash and kneeling by his son, his breath catching in his throat as he beheld the blood that seemed to be dried onto every part of his youngest son\u2019s upper body. \u201cDear God!\u201d he breathed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s in here, Pa,\u201d Hoss reported. \u201cHe ain\u2019t much better off \u2018n Joe is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp me get Joe inside,\u201d Ben urged and together, they carefully picked up the injured young man and carried him inside the shack. Once Joe was settled, Ben hurried over to lay a hand on Adam\u2019s forehead. He burned with fever, as did Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make a travois,\u201d Hoss offered grimly, but Ben put his hand out to stop him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no time for that,\u201d he replied. \u201cWe\u2019d better take them double on our horses.\u201d Ben glanced around and saw the saddles belonging to his sons\u2019 mounts. \u201cSaddle Cochise and Sport. We can trade off riding them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Hoss agreed and hurried off to do that.<\/p>\n

Left alone, Ben hunted around for a cloth to bathe his sons\u2019 heads. Not finding anything, he stripped off his neckerchief and up-ended the canteen that was lying on the table. Barely a drip came out of it and Ben frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d The voice was hoarse and sounded as though it was coming from under the wheels of the death cart, but Ben was relieved to hear it.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam. How do you feel?\u201d Ben leant over him, smiling reassuringly.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026went for help,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cI tried to\u2026stop him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShh, it\u2019s all right,\u201d Ben soothed. \u201cJoe\u2019s right here, son. He\u2019s safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe cat got us,\u201d Adam went on, relief evident in his tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it, son,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cJust rest. Hoss and I will get you home soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sighing deeply, Adam\u2019s weary eyes closed once more. Ben sat back and glanced over at Joe. His youngest son hadn\u2019t moved at all since they had found him. He swallowed, hoping against hope that the cat had not been rabid. He shuddered, then rose abruptly. There was no point sitting there and worrying. He could do something constructive for his sons. He went outside and retrieved his canteen from his saddle.<\/p>\n

As he bathed Joe\u2019s head with the cool water, Joe groaned and rolled his head around. Ben continued with his ministrations, coaxing Joe to waken in a soothing voice and after a few minutes, his perseverance paid off and Joe\u2019s eyes opened.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe whispered, sounding confused. He blinked a few times. \u201cPa, Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joe,\u201d Ben soothed. \u201cAdam\u2019s just fine. He\u2019s sleeping.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI tried\u2026 to get help,\u201d Joe persisted. He coughed harshly. Ben instantly offered him a sip of water from the canteen, controlling how much he took. He was alarmed all over again by the heat radiating off his son\u2019s body. Joe looked woebegone. \u201cI\u2026 couldn\u2019t,\u201d he admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d Ben repeated. \u201cHoss and I are here now and we\u2019re going to get you both home.\u201d<\/p>\n

The shack door opened and Hoss stuck his head. \u201cReady, Pa,\u201d he announced.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, we\u2019ll take Joe first and put him on Buck,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cThen I\u2019ll help you get Adam onto Chub. We\u2019ll need to be careful of his leg.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was hard to leave Joe perched on Buck when he was clearly feeling so ill, but it had to be done. He was at least conscious and would be able to stay on. Adam roused as he was carried outside, but getting him onto Chub caused him a great deal of pain and his father and brother a great deal of distress, but it was accomplished at last.<\/p>\n

Mounting behind Joe, Ben glanced over at Hoss. \u201cReady?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I\u2019ll ever be,\u201d Hoss grimaced, one arm tight around Adam\u2019s waist.<\/p>\n

Nodding his understanding, Ben tightened his own grip on Joe. He put his heel to his horse and they set off towards home.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

It was dark when they arrived back. Twice, they had stopped to rest, giving Adam and Joe some water, urging them to eat with no success, and swapping onto Cochise and Sport. It had been slow going and caused Adam and Joe endless pain and suffering. But it had been necessary. Now they were home and Ben could summon the necessary help.<\/p>\n

Pulling Joe gently from Buck\u2019s back into his arms, Ben glanced over at Hoss. \u201cI\u2019ll take Joe inside and come back to help you with Adam,\u201d he said. He knew how exhausted he was, and was aware that Hoss would be even more tired. Adam weighed considerably more than Joe, being taller and broader. He hurried across the yard, and was relieved when the door opened, seemingly by itself.<\/p>\n

Of course, Hop Sing had opened it, having heard the hooves in the yard. He looked concerned. \u201cNeed doctah, Mister Ben?\u201d he asked, knowing what the answer would be.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben panted, not stopping. \u201cBoth Adam and Joe were attacked by that cat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI send Charlie,\u201d Hop Sing declared and Ben had no doubts that the diminutive cook would do just that, rousting the foreman from his bunk and sending him speeding towards Virginia City and the doctor. Then he would be back to help wherever he could, boiling up water, providing cloths, offering Chinese remedies.<\/p>\n

Laying Joe gently in his bed, Ben caressed his head for a moment before hurrying back outside. Joe had been drifting in and out of consciousness for the last while as the infection raged through his body. Ben was extremely worried.<\/p>\n

Before long, both of his sons were safely in bed and he and Hoss attended to ridding them of their bloodied clothing. It was the first real look at his sons\u2019 injuries and Ben was appalled. Adam had a long, deep gash down his thigh. It was red, inflamed and swollen and looked to Ben like it might need stitches. It was clear that Adam had lost a lot of blood from it. Ben gently covered the gash with a clean cloth and a light bandage until the doctor arrived.<\/p>\n

Through in Joe\u2019s room, removing his jacket and the shirt Adam had used as bandages had proved more problematical. They were stuck to his body with the blood and in the end, Hoss took scissors to the garments, cutting them off and then soaking the stuck pieces. Even so, it hurt Joe to have them removed and he came to screaming consciousness. Ben held his hand while Hoss worked, offering the only comfort he could \u2013 his presence.<\/p>\n

As the cloth came away, it brought new bleeding with it. Ben could see the parallel claw marks down Joe\u2019s back and the puncture wounds on his arm. All were infected. Joe\u2019s forearm was swollen to almost twice its usual size. He and Hoss exchanged grim glances. It didn\u2019t look good for either man.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

It was questionable who was in worse shape, Paul Martin thought as he examined the Cartwrights. Joe required the most attention, so Adam was seen to first, so that he wouldn\u2019t have to wait for a long time. That meant that Joe had to wait and he needed more attention, so the situation wasn\u2019t ideal by any stretch of the imagination, but since Paul was only one man, there was very little he could do about it. Rolling up his sleeves, he started work.<\/p>\n

It was a couple of hours later before he had finished. Sighing, he stood up and eased his aching back. Joe was resting peacefully, thanks to the hefty dose of morphine he had received. But Paul was concerned. Injuries caused by cats were notorious for causing infection and in both the Cartwrights\u2019 cases, those had been compounded by blood loss.<\/p>\n

Usually, bleeding meant that the wound was washed clean, but not this time. The cloth used as makeshift bandages had stuck to the wounds, badly in Joe\u2019s case, and the particles in the wounds had helped cause the infection. Not that he was condemning what Adam had done to stop the bleeding, Paul thought. No, quite the opposite. If he hadn\u2019t managed to get something on his leg, Adam would, most likely, have bled to death.<\/p>\n

Sighing, Paul prepared himself to go down and face Ben and Hoss. He knew that what he said would not be easy for them to hear, but it would have to be said. Packing his gear into his Gladstone bag, Paul left Joe\u2019s room, closing the door quietly behind him and walked slowly down the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are they?\u201d Ben asked, jumping up from his seat by the fire.<\/p>\n

Sitting heavily on the sofa, Paul sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. \u201cPretty sick,\u201d he replied. \u201cI\u2019ve done everything I can for them, Ben. I\u2019ve left quinine to help fight the fevers and I\u2019ve given them something for the pain. I\u2019ve cleaned the wounds out as best I can.\u201d He met Ben\u2019s eyes. \u201cIt\u2019s up to them, Ben. If they can\u2019t fight off the infections\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The anguish in the other man\u2019s eyes hurt Paul. He wished he had better news for his old friend, but both of them knew that cat\u2019s claws carried all sorts of things and men often succumbed to the infections left behind. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Paul added wretchedly. \u201cI wish I could do more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve done everything you can for them, Paul,\u201d Ben replied, mastering his emotions for the moment. \u201cNo one could do more.\u201d He made the effort to smile. \u201cCome and have something to eat before you head back into town and you can tell me what we can do to help Joe and Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you; that would be great.\u201d Paul followed Ben and Hoss to the table. \u201cI won\u2019t be long in town, Ben. I\u2019m only going in to get some more drugs. I didn\u2019t have much quinine in my bag and we\u2019re going to need it. I\u2019ll be back as soon as I can.\u201d He saw the effect his words had on Ben and Hoss and hurried on to explain. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be a long night, Ben and you and Hoss are exhausted. You\u2019re going to need as much help as you can get. I\u2019m sure Hop Sing will do sterling work, but many hands make light work, as they say.\u201d He reached out to put a reassuring hand on Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cI swear, there isn\u2019t an ulterior motive in this, Ben. I just want to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, I accept,\u201d Ben responded. \u201cAnd sorry I thought you were keeping something from me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite understandable,\u201d Paul smiled. He looked with delight at the meal placed before him. \u201cHop Sing, this looks great! My favourite.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoctah always say that,\u201d Hop Sing replied, trying not to look too pleased.<\/p>\n

Grinning, Paul picked up his cutlery. \u201cI have many favourite meals, my friend,\u201d he responded. \u201cThe main kind being a meal that I get to eat hot and all the way through uninterrupted!\u201d<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

It was indeed a long night. Although Ben and Hoss did agree to lie down for a while at the start of the night, by midnight, they were both up and helping Paul take care of Joe and Adam. For a time, Ben flitted between both sons, finding it immensely worrying to see Adam thrashing about in his delirium, to hear him calling for Joe.<\/p>\n

Yet it was more worrying somehow to see Joe lying so still, his face pale, apart from two hectic patches of colour that burned in his cheeks. It was as though Joe\u2019s life was ebbing away from him and he wasn\u2019t putting up any kind of fight. It was this thought that prompted Ben to sit with Joe.<\/p>\n

The time was mostly spent bathing Joe\u2019s face and body in the hopes of bringing his fever down that way. Hop Sing kept them supplied with cool well water and Paul didn\u2019t object when he brought a noxious smelling tea up and helped Ben get Joe and Adam to drink some of it. Paul didn\u2019t know what it was and he didn\u2019t ask. Anything that might help tip the balance was welcome as far as he was concerned.<\/p>\n

Around about 2 am, Adam suddenly stopped thrashing around and crying out. He became still and quiet and Hoss, panicking, called Ben and Paul through. Ben thought his heart was going to explode from his chest as he hurried to his eldest son\u2019s bedside.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d he asked anxiously. Adam seemed to him to have no colour at all in his face. His eldest son\u2019s head lolled on the pillow, his mouth slightly open. Ben thought he looked ghastly. Surely death hadn\u2019t come calling\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cHis temperature\u2019s gone down a whole degree,\u201d Paul reported. He didn\u2019t sound pleased by this, nor did he sound worried. Ben couldn\u2019t decide how he sounded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d he asked, fear still clutching his heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not entirely sure right now,\u201d Paul evaded and Ben frowned at him. However, the doctor didn\u2019t elucidate any further and continued to listen to Adam\u2019s heart and lungs, take his pulse and say, \u201cHmm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Later Ben could never even hazard a guess as to how long they stood there. He began to fret about Joe, left alone with only Hop Sing watching him, but he couldn\u2019t leave until he knew about Adam. If there was any change with Joe, Hop Sing would call him. Ben continued to wring his hands and watch Adam and Paul, waiting\u2026waiting.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis temperature\u2019s gone down another degree,\u201d Paul reported after a time.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d Ben demanded again.<\/p>\n

Smiling, Paul looked up at Ben. \u201cIt means, my friend that Adam\u2019s fever has broken. He\u2019s sleeping now and I expect he\u2019ll wake up sometime in the next few hours, very hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

The relief was so overwhelming that Ben actually felt dizzy. \u201cThank you,\u201d he whispered. \u201cThank you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u201d Paul stood up. He looked as though a great weight had gone from his shoulders. \u201cLet\u2019s see if we<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll stay wi\u2019 Adam, Pa,\u201d Hoss offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, son,\u201d Ben replied, putting his hand on the big man\u2019s brawny shoulder. \u201cI know you\u2019d like to be with Joe, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut there ain\u2019t room fer everyone,\u201d Hoss smiled. \u201cAn\u2019 Adam\u2019ll need someone here when he wakes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Ben repeated. Hoss was always willing to sacrifice his own wants and needs for others, especially his family. He patted Hoss once more, touched Adam\u2019s cheek briefly and then hurried back to Joe\u2019s bedside.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

However, there was to be no repeat of Adam\u2019s quick recovery. By morning, Joe was still battling the fever. He had grown distressed at one point and his thrashings had led to him breaking open the scabs on his back. Eventually, they had had to pin Joe to the bed to keep him still and Ben had been horribly distressed by the whole proceedings. In an effort to keep Joe from doing himself any more harm, Paul had used a bandage to bind Joe\u2019s arms to his sides to keep him relatively still.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think?\u201d Ben asked, as he and Paul stood by the window, enjoying a brief respite.<\/p>\n

\u201cI honestly don\u2019t know,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cBut he can\u2019t go on like this for much longer. I suspect we\u2019re nearing a crisis and then\u2026\u201d He shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t know what will happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning to look at Joe, Ben thought how drawn and gaunt he looked. Joe never had flesh to spare at the best of times and the fever seemed to have picked it from his bones. He looked fragile and vulnerable lying there, his skin almost as pale as the bandages on his body. It broke Ben\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you get us some coffee?\u201d Paul suggested. He was at a loss to know how to comfort Ben, but he knew his friend needed to get out of that room, even if it was just for a few minutes.<\/p>\n

As Ben left the room, Paul went over once more to take his patient\u2019s pulse and temperature. \u201cCome on, Joe,\u201d he muttered, feeling foolish. \u201cYou\u2019ve worried your father long enough. Its time to get better now, you hear me?\u201d he shook his head at his own fancies. If words could cure people, then surely he\u2019d be out of a job. \u201cPlease, Joe, fight a bit harder.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no response, but he hadn\u2019t expected one. While it would have been nice if Joe had suddenly popped his eyes open and smiled, Paul had known that wasn\u2019t going to happen. But now, with ever hour that passed, the infection spread its insidious fingers further through Joe\u2019s body and Joe did not have the strength to fight on for much longer.<\/p>\n

The coffee was strong and bitter, just what Paul needed to waken him up. He went through to see Adam, who was finally awake and although weak, was sitting up and eating. The gash on Adam\u2019s leg was healing cleanly, the infection gone. There was going to be a nasty scar left behind, but that couldn\u2019t be helped.<\/p>\n

Leaving Adam to sleep, as Hoss was now doing, Paul wearily returned to Joe\u2019s room. Ben, he saw, had fallen asleep, too, exhaustion catching up with him. His cup of untouched coffee was going cold on the bedside table. It was the best thing, Paul thought. He could do with a few hours rest himself. He sat down to watch Joe and fell asleep without being aware of it.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

Quite what woke him, Ben wasn\u2019t sure. He lifted a hand to rub his face and realised that he was stiff from sleeping in a chair. Groaning, he pushed on the arms to get into a more comfortable position and then opened his eyes to look at Joe.<\/p>\n

Dull green eyes were looking back at him. For an instant, Ben was frozen in place, stunned. Then he was moving, reaching for Joe\u2019s imprisoned hand and clutching it tightly, all the while drinking in the sight of Joe, awake and aware. \u201cJoe! How do you feel?\u201d<\/p>\n

His mouth too dry to allow him to speak, Joe simply shook his head. He felt exhausted and sore, as though he had been in a fight and he was completely confused as to why his arms wouldn\u2019t move. He had tried straining to see and had felt the pull on his sore back, but was still none the wiser.<\/p>\n

Roused by the voices, Paul shook the sleep from his mind and smiled at Joe. \u201cWell, nice of you to wakeup at last,\u201d he joked. \u201cBen, why don\u2019t you get Joe some water while I look at him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding, Ben did that, while Joe watched Paul with tired eyes. The examination didn\u2019t take long. Joe\u2019s fever had broken. Paul smiled as he supported Joe\u2019s head and Ben tilted the glass to his son\u2019s mouth. Joe sipped, simply because he didn\u2019t have the strength to gulp.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get these bandages off then, shall we?\u201d Paul suggested when Joe indicated he\u2019d had enough. He reached for the scissors.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy \u2026 did\u2026 I\u2026 have… those\u2026 on?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you remember?\u201d Ben asked and Joe scowled, for he hated when questions were answered with questions. Nevertheless, he cast his mind back and his eyes opened wide!<\/p>\n

\u201cThe cat!\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cAdam! Where\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s sleeping right now, across the hall,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cHe\u2019s going to be just fine, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe gash\u2026 on his leg\u2026 was infected,\u201d Joe recalled, still looking worried.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s on the mend,\u201d Paul assured him. \u201cJust like you are. And Adam wasn\u2019t the only one with an infection, Joe. Your injuries were infected, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy back\u2019s pretty sore,\u201d Joe admitted. He sounded weary.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will be,\u201d Paul smiled. \u201cAnd that was why I had your arms strapped down. You nearly broke open your back while you were ill.\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes slid shut for a moment before he was able to force them open again. Paul\u2019s smile widened. \u201cJoe, why don\u2019t you get some sleep and when you wake up, you can eat something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, all right,\u201d Joe agreed. He snuggled down into the pillow again. Once more his eyes dipped shut, the long sweep of his lashes caressing his cheek. Then he opened his eyes. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, son?\u201d Ben asked, leaning over him and brushing the tangled curls off his forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell Adam I\u2019m\u2026\u201d A huge yawn escaped Joe\u2019s control. \u201cI\u2019m glad he\u2019s okay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell him,\u201d Ben replied, huskily.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

Although it would be many days before Joe and Adam began to get their strength back, the desperate times were over for the Cartwrights. By the time everyone caught up on their sleep, another couple of days had passed, but Charlie had kept the ranch ticking over and Ben was soon back into the swing of things, leaving Joe and Adam in Hop Sing\u2019s capable hands.<\/p>\n

Initially, there had been a lingering fear in Ben\u2019s mind that perhaps the cat had been rabid, but as the days passed and there was no sign of the dreaded rabies, he began to relax. Within a week, both Adam and Joe were up during the day, even though they spent their time quietly in front of the fire, reading, talking, playing checkers or chess, or even sleeping. They were young and soon were recovering in leaps and bounds.<\/p>\n

Over the period of the first few days, Adam and Joe had told the story of what happened on their trip. Everyone was surprised by the cat\u2019s persistence.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t starving,\u201d Adam asserted. \u201cIt weighed enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not kidding there,\u201d Joe agreed with feeling. \u201cYou should\u2019ve tried being underneath it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard tales of cats that stalked the hunters,\u201d Ben admitted. \u201cBut I never believed them.\u201d He was shaken by how close a call both his sons had had.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I\u2019d a bin with ya,\u201d Hoss muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you weren\u2019t,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t wish it on anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe, either,\u201d Joe added.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might have bin different if\u2019n I were there,\u201d Hoss objected. \u201cIt might not have turned on ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr it might have got all three of us,\u201d Joe responded. \u201cThen where would we have been?\u201d He glanced at Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish it hadn\u2019t happened to any of you,\u201d Ben commented. \u201cBut since it did, I\u2019m glad you were around to help me, Hoss. I\u2019d have been in really desperate straits if you hadn\u2019t been.\u201d He patted Hoss on the shoulder. \u201cThanks, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, thanks,\u201d Joe and Adam chimed in.<\/p>\n

Blushing, Hoss muttered something that no one caught. Ben, although still swamped with relief that Joe and Adam were going to be all right, decided that a change of subject was in order.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, you two are going to be back to work just in time to supervise the branding.\u201d He smiled brightly. \u201cAnd since Hoss and I have been doing your chores, he and I are going to have a few days off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned broadly at Ben as Adam and Joe exchanged a single glance and then began to protest vociferously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0Disaster lies ahead when the hunters become the hunted.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0WC \u00a010,000<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":8554,"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_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[2,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7195","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-drama","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-23-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/prey.jpg?fit=916%2C745&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7195","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\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7195"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7195\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8554"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7195"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}