Author’s note: Thank you from the bottom of my heart Leesa, Deb, and Wrangler, for the pointers and tips throughout this story. You made me laugh, you made me cry, and that's just what sisters are for! LOL

Love you forever, gals!

Carol

The Devil Of The North

By

Honeybear

The sky was dark and stormy as Hop Sing trudged out to collect the morning eggs for the Cartwrights’ breakfast. Pulling his coat closer to his body, the Chinese man shivered as the cool wind nipped at his chin, muttering to himself, “Hop Sing no walk out here for nothing! Missy Cluck better have some eggs under her tail feathers or slice, slice, slice, a chop, chop for dinner,” but as he got closer his thoughts vanished, his sleepy eyes widening as the hen house began to rock and the chickens began to squawk.

Coming out of the coop appeared to be what looked like a big fat weasel as he crunched upon another chicken, snarling and snapping at Hop Sing. It fled into the darkness, leaving behind a nasty skunk like scent. Its vicious growl was unlike that of a dog, making the little man puzzled and in a tizzy as he threw his wicker basket into the air. Slipping and sliding in the snow, Hop Sing ran out of the courtyard with his arms flinging about, screaming as he went, “Mr. Cartlight, Mr. Cartlight, come quick, something making Hop Sing’s chickens flap into a frenzy, hurry, hurry!”

Ben Cartwright woke up from his drowsy slumber once he heard the screams. Jumping into his pants and boots, his first thought was of his youngest son as he yelled, “Jumping Jehosaphat, what’s all that racket!?” ***Little Joe must be having another nightmare,*** he thought, but as he dashed out into the hallway, Ben collided into all three of his sons, Adam, Hoss and Little Joe, as they, too, hopped into their boots, buttoning their shirts in puzzlement.

One by one, they dashed down the staircase, meeting up with a diminutive Hop Sing, as Ben led him to the couch. “Little Joe, run and fetch some brandy, be quick about it! Adam, Hoss, go see what’s riled Hop Sing up!”

“Right, Pa.” Sixteen year old Little Joe sprang into the study, fetching the decanter of brandy and a glass, while Adam and Hoss threw on their heavy coats, drawing their guns from their holsters upon the side table. Unlatching the front door, they walked outside to inspect the area, letting a cool blast of air in behind them. Shutting the big ponderosa pine planked door, the two older brothers trudged into the snow.

“What in tarnation do you suppose has gotten old Hop Sing riled up so early in the morning like that any ways, Adam? I ain’t never seen him shaken up like this before. It’s as if he has seen a ghost!”

“Or something other!” Adam bent down to pick up the wicker basket as he keenly looked toward the chicken coop, “What on earth is that awful smell?”

“Ain’t me, Adam. I cleaned up and washed my hair with lye soap just last week. Can’t be skunk either. Those critters are in hibernation right about now. Don’t rightly know what it could be.”

“Well, one thing is for sure; whatever it was came from that direction, come on!” The morning sky was coming to life now as the sun began to peek over the horizon, spreading beams of crystallized light over the snowy, diamond like range.

Scanning the area carefully, Hoss scrunched his face up from the foul smell as he crouched down in front of the fence. “Adam, take a look at this over here. Ain’t ever seen no skunk dig like this. Its tiny feet aren’t big enough to cut through this much snow and ice! Whatever it was burrowed clear into the chicken coop, busting up quite a few chickens along the way. This poor chicken done got its bones snapped clean in two. Whatever this thing is, it’s more powerful than a wolf! Never known a skunk to take a liken’ to meat either. What’s that fancy word of yours, Adam?”

“Carnivore.” Walking single file alongside the fresh tracks, Adam had it all tallied up inside his head as he asked Hoss, “Take a look at these fresh tracks and tell me what you see?”

“Sure thing, Adam.” Trudging through the snow, Hoss scooted down next to his older brother, Adam, inspecting the tracks, “Well, the first thing that would come to mind would be that it’s a wolf! But it’s not! Just look at the way it carries itself over the snow. This critter has short legs and big paws; see, it uses the sole of its feet to walk, spreading its weight in a hopping, loop fashion. Sort of like snowshoes, I guess! Wolves don’t do that, Adam.” Pressing his large hand into the snow side by side with the tracks, Hoss tried to make sense of it all, “Why, these tracks embedded in the snow are almost as big as my dang hand! Look here, Adam, it has five toes and at the end of each toe it has a long claw. Ain’t no mountain lion either, they have retractable claws, these don’t! What do you make of it, Adam!?”

“It’s a wolverine!”

“A WHAT! Are you plum crazy, out of your mind?! Wolverines are generally further North from here, Adam, it can’t be.”

“Shh! I Know! Okay, look, obviously it’s far from home. They are known to cross

a wide vastness of territory, due to their shape and size, in search for food. Whatever it was, it’s bound to come back. Let’s go back and tell Pa what we have found, then we can set up a few traps around the ranch before we not only lose a few more chickens, but a cook as well.”

“I am with you there, Adam! Sure hope Hop Sing can still cook! I ain’t et my breakfast yet!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~*****~~~~~~~~~~~~

Warming by the fire, a much calmer Hop Sing sipped on another small glass of brandy while the family all huddled around him, as the little man unfolded the early morning’s events that were now pickled in his mind, “Hop Sing no like Missy Cluck for I think she no lay good eggs this morning. She too busy bein’ dinner for some crazy weasel.”

Ben looked at Hop Sing flabbergasted, wondering if the brandy was getting to his head already. Hop Sing paused, took another sip of the brandy and went on, “I ready to slice and a chop when all of a sudden, Hop Sing hear this vicious growling noise and see what looks to be big weasel in front of me, with Missy Cluck in between its sharp teeth. Just as well. No lay good eggs for Hop Sing anyways.”

Little Joe couldn’t help but snicker out loud, “Are you sure it wasn’t Hoss you were seeing in the wee early morning trying to sneak into the kitchen for a bite of last night’s fried chicken?”

Hoss scowled at his little brother and said, “The only weasel in here, Little Brother, is YOU! Now hush up before I pop the little weasel! Go on, Hop Sing.”

Folding his arms upon his chest, Little Joe winked and giggled, unaffected by Hoss’ threatening fist.

“May we continue here, boys?” Ben boomed, motioning with his hands for his two sons to simmer down.

“Hop Sing not know for sure what it was, Little Joe! All Hop Sing know is that it was velly, velly mean, with sharp teeth and big feet with long claws, it also smelt velly bad, too. Maybe it’s a skunkdog? Hhehehe!” Hop Sing then realized just how plastered and foolish he sounded and how bad he smelt as he stood up. “Now if you may excuse Hop Sing? I have smell to remove from linen, must go wash out in kitchen, then I cook breakfast!” Floating around the corner, the little cook hiccupped, “ Oh, excuse honorable Hop Sing!”

Shaking his head, Ben turned back to his sons, “Well, out with it, boys! You two have been outside for nearly a half an hour. You must have found something out there!”

“Yeah, other then a big, fat, smelly weasel.”

“JOSEPH!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

“Little Joe, you want me to pound you into next Tuesday, don’t you!?”

“Well, heck no, I don’t!” Gulping, Little Joe slid over next to Pa, a bit more intimidated this time.

Again feeling himself becoming flabbergasted, Ben spoke out, “Well, will someone please shed some light into this unclear picture for me, or do Joseph and I have to go find out for ourselves!?”

Both Adam and Hoss looked at each other, unsure of what to say as Adam spoke first, clearing his throat,” Of course not, Pa! Well, what I mean to say is, Hoss and I think.” Hoss scowled at Adam this time as Adam rephrased his thoughts again, “Well, I believe it’s a Wolverine.”

Pa’s booming voice shook the crystal brandy decanter as Little Joe tried to steady it upon the coffee table between his legs, while Pa shouted, “A WOLVERINE!? Why that’s preposterous! It can’t be!”

“Or can it, Pa? Look, Hoss and I both know that whatever attacked those chickens is something other then a puma or wolf. It’s scientifically proven, Pa, that the wolverines are a nomadic roamer, they love cooler climates, and with all the signs out there, including throwing off a smell from its scent gland similar to that of a skunk when frightened, and from what Hop Sing has just described, it points in every direction that this just may be a wolverine. Look, why don’t you let us set up some baited traps, then we’ll know for sure what this thing is, alright?”

Ben was puffing on his tobacco pipe by then, deep in thought, “Now you boys, each and everyone of you, know by now how dreadfully I am against trapping; it’s cruelty to animals as far as I am concerned, but I don’t want this to get out of hand, so just one trap, you hear? And keep this under your hat! I don’t want a single soul to know until we are absolutely sure, is that clear?”

“Yes Sir!” all three boys chimed.

Hoss turned to his little brother, all excited, “Little Joe, wait till you see the size of these tracks. They are plum as big as my hand.”

“Hot dog! Well, what are we waiting for?! Pa, you coming?” Little Joe just about leaped into his heavy winter coat, sliding on his holster, tying it around his left thigh. Little Joe and Hoss wasted no time as they both jammed through the doorframe, slamming the big ponderosa pine planked door behind them, causing the grandfather’s clock to chime off key.

Shaking his head, Ben said, “Go into town, will ya, with your brothers, Adam, and buy a trap, and whatever provisions you might be needing for this hunt. Oh, and keep an eye on Joseph! I am not too keen on that boy setting a trap, he’s so fired up and just might lose more then a few fingers with his impulsiveness.”

“Well, he’s your son, Pa!” Both Ben and Adam at that point broke the seriousness that was in the air as they chuckled out loud. “No need to worry, Pa, will do! See you in a few days.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~******~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tethering their horses to the post by mid morning, the three Cartwright brothers walked into Duffy’s general store. Right off, Little Joe spotted Mica Mountain, the town’s old prospector. He tried not to stare at the old timer’s tattered looks and long white beard as he leaned up against the counter next to Adam, peering through the brim of his hat. Little Joe was always fascinated by Mica and his way of life and his eyes seemed to be glued to the old man. It reminded him of the story book, Rip Van Winkle, his pa used to read to him at night.

Mica spoke out in a raspy voice, “Reckon I may buy a few warm blankets, pound of flour, chewing tobacco, a few cans of bean and some oats?” as he pulled out his measly bag of gold dust. “Oh, pardon me, and almost forgot some cube sugar, too, I reckon. It’s for my ole ass, got herself this sweet tooth, ya know.” Mica was a sight for sore eyes as he showed his teeth to the oldest brother of the bunch in a crooked smile.

Little Joe snickered at the word ‘ass’ and was sure glad his pa was not with him, for he knew all too well the swat he would be receiving upon his backside, which would undoubtedly be followed with a lecture. Adam quickly reminded him of that, bringing Little Joe to his senses with a jab to his side, ungluing his little brother’s staring eyes upon the old man. Nodding a hello to Mica, Adam placed their supplies upon the counter -- a new trap, and a rope that they would be needing on the trail. Eyeing Hoss, Adam said, “Throw in a few apples, too, will ya?”

“Good morning, Adam, Hoss, Little Joe! What brings you Cartwrights out here so early?” Duffy asked as he slid his pencil behind his ear. “Say, what you boys want a trap for? I thought your pa was dead set against one of these!?”

Although on a serious mission, Hoss had other things on his mind, as his hand slipped into the apple barrel, polishing one upon his vest as he, too, nodded to Mica and Duffy, then inspected the apple before taking a toothy chunk out of it.

Placing his elbows upon the counter, Little Joe, in a peppy mood, said, “Oh, poor old Hop Sing had himself a big fright this morning when he found some of his chickens were slaughtered. Whoo-we, you should have seen the bloody mess, the size of those paw prints it left behind in the snow! Almost as big as Hoss’ here.” Jabbing Duffy with his elbow, Little Joe’s infectious voice said, “You know, we talked Pa into letting us go out and trap a wolv......”

Adam placed his large hand over his younger brother’s mouth as he finished his sentence for him, “A wolf, isn’t that right, Little Joe? Nothing serious, Duffy! This WOLF just ate a few of Hop Sing’s chickens, that’s all!” Adam’s glare reminded Little Joe of just what Pa had said, ***Keep this under your hat until we know for sure.***

Rolling his eyes back into his head, Little Joe spoke out, “Yeah yeah, that’s right, Adam!” Throwing his hands up into the air, he turned, made a few unhappy faces and walked toward the front of the store.

~~~~~~~~~~~*****~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gathering up his supplies, Mica had his arms full as he left the store, stepping outside into the bright sunlight, causing him to collide right into Tuck Burns. “Reckon I am in your way! Pardon me!” Tipping his tattered hat, Mica tried his best to pass.

Tuck snickered as he grabbed onto the lamp post, preventing the old miner from passing. “Well, well, lookie at what we got ourselves here, a no good rock digger. Why don’t you watch where you’re going?”

Mica tried to snatch up his small bag of gold dust that had dropped upon the boardwalk, doing his best to hide it, for he wore fear in his eyes. Even though it was a measly sack of gold dust, it also was his life’s savings, as he spoke out, “Meant no harm, feller. Reckon I may pass now?”

Tuck muttered under his cigarette breath as he looked around, “Nice try! You can pass when I tell ya to! Think I may be wrong about you being a no good rock digger. Hand the pouch over, Pops!” The street was becoming busy now and Tuck’s passion was drawing thin. “Look, this morning has been way too dull for the likes of me, give me the pouch!” Tuck grabbed Mica by his shirt and threw a punch to his jaw before yanking the item from underneath Mica’s arms, sending him sprawling onto the dusty sidewalk. Stunned, covered in dirt, and with a bloody lip, the old man just laid there, defeated.

Little Joe looked up once he heard the commotion. Shocked and appalled, he sprang out of the general store, emotions getting the better of him as he confronted the robust man. “TUCK! Leave him alone! I said, give Mica back his stuff and leave him alone, NOW!”

“You got to be kidding me! You’re nothing but that Cartwright kid! Well, come on, then, BOY! I am gonna skin you with a dull knife.”

“Fine by me, Tuck! I have always wanted to have a session with you, too, so let’s go!” Little Joe snapped back his elbows, fists on fire, chest heaving in and out.

Hoss appeared from the general store right about that time, looking for his little brother as he glared into the evil eyes of Tuck Burns, the town’s bully, and the scene that was about to unfold. Little Joe was clearly out matched as Hoss sent a message behind his little brother’s back in silence, as he shook his head, ‘NO’ toward Tuck, biting down hard on his crisp granny apple.

Gulping at the mammoth man in front of him, Tuck backed away from Little Joe with his hands up in the air in defeat. Dropping the bag of gold dust, he took off like a shot, leaving a very surprised Little Joe, as he puffed up with a macho gleam upon his face. Swiping the dirt on the ground with the side of his cowboy boot, Little Joe shouted, “And don’t come back!”

Mica was used to being an outcast. No one in his life had ever stuck up for him. He looked at the young man before him picking up his belongings, ideated, “My, I sure am a thanking you for what you did back there, young fellow. Reckon I owe ya more than a bit of thanks.” Turning around, the old man climbed onto his rickety rig, snapped his jackass forward with the reins, and said, “Some day I’ll return the favor.”

Little Joe just stood there and slowly waved, still staring at the old timer and the distinctive braying voice of the jackass as he protested out loud, with his teeth showing. Shaking his head, Little Joe again chuckled to himself at the funny word the miner had used earlier to describe his animal, and the way Mica talked in general, as he drove off into the high country.

Hoss walked out into the street just about then. “Little Brother, you know Pa would have your hide ifn’ he saw you staring. Besides that, are you half loco, taking on that town bully all alone!”

“Ah, forget it, Hoss. Tuck has been itching for a fight with me for as long as I can remember. You know, he he he, I really spoofed him! Must be all that working out I have been doing.” Little Joe looked down at his biceps, flexing them as Hoss chuckled to himself.

He slapped his younger brother on the back, which no doubt almost knocked him off his feet. “Come on, will ya! We better go help Adam with the supplies before he has a session of his own with us.”

“You’re telling me!” Little Joe regained his footing as they walked back into the store.

~~~~~~~~~~******~~~~~~~~~~~~

The trickling spring water splashed upon the hooves of the mighty Cartwrights’ horses as they followed the quarry of fresh tracks of what appeared to be that of a large dog. The signs were everywhere, although they had been tracking this critter all morning now, still it was nowhere to be found. Frustration showed upon the faces of the two older brothers. They were cold, tired and hungry, ready to set the trap and break camp now that they reached higher ground, all except for the youngest of the bunch, who was showing no signs of fatigue from the thrill of the chase as he stood up in his pinto’s stir-ups, whistling out loud, “That no doubt is the most slickest animal I ain’t ever laid eyes upon, Older Brothers! Don’t suppose it’s got springs on its feet? Cause I can’t make sense of this!” Picking up his hat, the unruly, curly, brown hair sprung out from underneath it, falling into his emerald eyes as Little Joe scratched his head in puzzlement, pushing his hair back into his hat as he set it upon his head once again. “Where do you suppose this thing took cover to? Cause we haven’t seen nearly a hide nor hair since we have been tracing its tracks early this morning.”

Adam spoke out, “That’s because wolverines are nocturnal, Little Joe! They only hunt at night. Trust me when I say you don’t want to come face to face with one of those, whether it be daylight or night, so keep an eye out.”

Little Joe had taken the lead as he swung around in his custom fitted leather saddle, looking back at Adam and Hoss. His determination always prevailed his better judgment, as Little Joe shouted, “Come on, Gals! We ain’t got all day! I ain’t afraid, are you!?”

Slinging his boot upon his saddle, Hoss moaned and said, “Gals? Watch your tongue, Youngn’! I don’t know ifn any gals ever had themselves a bunion the size of this one.”

“And my ears are popping, too, so get over it, will you, Hoss! Let’s keep moving! We’ll set the trap just over that ridge.”

Looking up into the sky, Hoss squinted as he continued on, “But, Adam! My bunion sure does smart something fierce and that always spells dad blast it rain ahead. Ouch! Dang blame these new boots. Can’t we make camp first? I’m starving. Don’t you wanna, Adam?”

“Fine, if it will stop you two from complaining, then we’ll make camp and set the trap. Little Joe, gather up some firewood before Hoss here dies of starvation.” Adam alit from Sport, pulling out the single trap from his saddle bag.

“Bless you, Adam!” Hoss said sarcastically, with a toothy grin.

Little Joe dismounted, handing Hoss Coochies’s reins, “Awe, you would have to always think of your stomach! Bah!”

“But, Little Joe, I can’t help it none. I ain‘t et but Hop Sing’s breakfast all day, Little Joe!”

Turning, Little Joe grumbled, “Ha! Never mind, you!” Swinging his arms behind his back, frustrated, Little Joe brushed Hoss off as he trudged into the woods in search of some kindling, with the hunt still fresh in his mind. After about a half a mile, Little Joe had walked off his steam. He could never be mad at Hoss for long, they were too close. He gathered up an arm full of kindling. Just as he bent down to pick up the last stick, his eyes widened with excitement. There in the snow were signs of splattered blood and the ever so distinctive fresh tracks that they had been trailing all morning. Discarding the kindling onto the floor of the woods in a pile, he had other things on his mind now as Little Joe said to himself, ***Hotdog!***

Drawing his gun, Little Joe began tracing the bloody tracks in the snow. Just over the ridge was the sound of a scuffling, screaming animal and a snarling wild one. Little Joe, with his gun protecting himself, walked closer and closer to the sound of what appeared now to be crunching of bones as it came into view. What Little Joe saw before him startled him to a fright. It was the largest wolverine he had ever encountered in his life; heck, the only one he had ever encountered in his life. It took down a small kicking buck, ripping into its flesh and bones with its massive teeth and long razor sharp claws.

Steadying his left hand, Little Joe cocked his revolver and took aim. His mind raced in disbelief at the fact that such an animal could take down a deer. ***Wolves yes, but a wolverine? Adam did say something about them being more powerful than the wolf,. Its teeth are about the same size, but its jaw bone is massive. It can cut through a rock hard frozen carcass, or crack open large bones, getting at the nourishment, making up with..... what was that word? Oh yeah, perseverance, with what they lack in speed. He also said their strength is unsurpassed.*** Coming back to his senses, Little Joe realized he had made a terrible mistake by letting his guard down, as he stared face to face with the wolverine.

The wolverine’s sharp senses reacted as it turned and glared into the face of Little Joe. Its eyes shining in the night, its teeth showing as the chilling sound of its snarling, distemper warned Little Joe that he was in grave danger.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*****~~~~~~~~~~~~

“What’s taking Little Joe so long with that kindling? It’s going to be dark soon and we need to start the fire and set that trap!” Adam looked up as the reality of it all hit both of them square in the face. Running over to Sport, he unlooped the lasso and the canteen from his saddle in a heated rush, throwing them over his shoulder, “Let’s move!”

Hoss spoke out, “Darn fool Little Joe! You don’t suppose he went on in search of this critter without us, do ya, Adam!?” Jumping to his feet, Hoss answered his own question as they both dashed into the woods, tracing their little brother’s footsteps in the snow. The only light now was that of the moon set high in the sky. As they yelled out for Little Joe, a noisy hoot owl turned his neck, warning off the two.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*****~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Little Joe stood frozen in his boot tracks. ***This is not good,*** he thought, as he realized now he was a threat to the wolverine’s kill. The vicious growling noise was so intense he could almost feel the vibrations upon the wolverine’s neck. Then, without warning, it lunged at him, knocking the gun from his hand, sending off one single shot into the air. Its claws extracted, teeth showing, as it threw out a nasty skunk-like scent into the air. Little Joe had little to no time to react as his arms reached up, catching the wild animal in mid air. Its razor sharp claws ripped into Little Joe’s thick coat. He felt the grip of the sinking teeth rip into his body as Little Joe bit down the excruciating pain . Battling for his life, he tried to reach for his gun, but it was useless, for the big wolverine had pinned him down. Kicking out at the wolverine, the two tossed and rolled just inches from the ledge, both fighting for their lives. Little Joe could feel its hot breath upon his face as they fought, smell its hunger; he knew he had to think fast. Pushing both thumbs into the wild animal’s eyes, it let out a growling snarl, slashing wildly at Little Joe’s face, just as he fell over the edge, letting out a shrill scream. Little Joe landed with a thud twenty feet below, his leg and ankle at an odd angle on a steep slope as he laid unconscious. The wolverine shook himself off, trotting and sniffing the ground in pursuit of his interrupted feast.

~~~~~~~~~~~*******~~~~~~~~~~~

“Over here!” Hoss yelled to his older brother, Adam, as he bent down to pick up the bundle of kindling Little Joe had discarded in the snow. “Looks like our little brother didn’t want to play pick up sticks no more, Adam. What do you make of it?”

Scooting down next to the pile of wood, Adam pulled out a match and struck it, lighting the area. It was then that Adam saw in the moonlit night the reason why Little Joe went on without them, as his eyes fell upon the spots of blood in the snow and the deep tracks of the wolverine. Just then, craning their necks, they both heard the one single shot that set them running toward the sound and their little brother’s tracks. It didn’t take Adam and Hoss long to encounter the beast, as Adam drew his gun first, sending a single shot threw its chest just before it lunged at Hoss, killing the wolverine dead.

Hoss pushed the wolverine over with a boot to its side just to make sure they were safe. Both with questions in their eyes of the dead buck before them, they hurried on in search of Little Joe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~******~~~~~~~~~~

Little Joe began to stir from the single shot this time, as he moaned out in pain from the scratches and scrapes upon his body. Reaching in agony for his left leg, he soon found out he had broken it, from the excruciating pain, along with his ankle. The worst, in his eyes, was what followed, and that was his fear of heights, as he looked up from where he had fallen, causing his head to spin, and then down from his pedestal, as his stomach turned into knots. The landscape below was breathtaking in more the one way. Little Joe’s breathing was short and raspy now as he fell back against the rock formation, hanging onto the hope that his older brothers would save him soon. Somehow, he had survived the fall, but for how long? Beads of sweat dripped down his quivering chin as he bit hard upon his lip, closing his eyes, fighting for composure, fighting for air. He passed out once again from the pain of it all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~*******~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hoss’ keen instincts and sight showed them the way to their little brother, as he spotted scuffle marks on the ground and the pearl gun handle in the snow banking next to the ledge. Gulping, both Adam and him held their breaths and peered over the ledge, spotting Little Joe, who was slightly moving about on the ledge. In a panic, Hoss said, “I am going down there after him, Adam! I don’t like the looks of how close Little Joe is to that edge. If he topples over, Adam…” Tears welled up inside the big man’s eyes at just the thought, as Hoss began to unwrap the rope from around Adam’s shoulder.

Grabbing Hoss by his strong bicep, Adam said, “No, you are not! Stop acting like another younger brother of mine and think straight for a minute here. What I really need from you right now is your brawn! Look, you’re too big, Hoss, you’ll never fit on that ledge next to Little Joe, but I can and besides, I am going to need you to hold my weight on that rope. There’s nothing around here to tie the rope off for one of us to go down.”

“But, Adam, what about the horses? I can run and fetch Chubb real quick like! He’s stronger and faster.”

“No, No! We would just be wasting valuable time, Hoss! Those horses are too far away! Little Joe needs us now! We don’t have any other choice, so let’s get moving and tie the rope around your waist. Hurry up and double knot it! Once I reach Little Joe, I’ll secure him, then give you a good tug when ready.” Patting Hoss on the back, Adam waited for Hoss to finish the knots around his waist as he secured the canteen around his shoulder. Tying the other end of the rope into a loop, he slipped the toe of his boot into it.

“There, Adam! Now you be careful when you bring Little Joe back, ya hear? Ya know how he don’t like heights an all!” Hoss shifted his six foot four, three hundred and twenty pound frame, taking a firm grip on the ground and around the rope, slowly he began shimming his older brother down the side of the ledge, once Adam gave him the nod, kicking his feet off the rocks. ***Times such as these, I wish I had worn my gloves,*** Hoss grumbled to himself with his tongue pitched out. ***Just how much do you weigh, Adam?***

Suddenly, there was slack as Adam finally reached the ledge and their little brother, who now was slowly coming to, stirring about. Shimming about the ledge, Adam kicked a few rocks over the edge and they tumbled to their death. Scooting next to Little Joe, he said, “Easy, easy now, Little Joe! Do as you’re told and don’t move till I tie the rope around you! How you holding up, Kid? Anything broken?” Uncorking the canteen, Adam placed the opening toward Little Joe’s mouth, holding him up right with his other hand as his little brother drank in heavily.

Wiping his mouth, Little Joe sighed a bit in relief that his brothers had found him. Trying to gather his wits, he said, “I’m all right, Adam! It’s just my leg, it feels busted up a bit!” Little Joe tried to convince his older brother as well as himself as he swayed in Adam’s arms. He could feel the burn from the scratches now upon his face, the warm sticky blood inside his jacket as it ran down his chest from several cuts. That, along with his busted up leg and ankle, made him aware that it wasn’t going to be easy getting off this ledge.

Steadying Little Joe, Adam said, “Just take it easy, Buddy, everything’s going to be just fine.” Although Adam had second thoughts as he too witnessed his little brother’s injuries, knowing just how far down they really were, he evaluated the situation. Sliding his hands along his little brother’s leg and then down to his ankle, Adam located the broken bones, causing Little Joe unwanted pain. “I would rather that I stabilize this leg and ankle of yours now, Little Joe. It’s going to hurt a bunch once Hoss hoists you out of here. The less pain, the better, what do you say?”

Choking down the pain, Little Joe said, “Do what you have to do, Adam, just get me the hell out of here!” Laying his head back against the rocks, Little Joe closed his eyes, hoping and wishing he could block off the spinning view and the pain.

Lying upon his belly, Hoss leaned over the edge and as he peered into the wide blue yonder, then down at his brothers, he said, “How’s Little Joe holding out, Adam? Is he all right? Are you two ready to be pulled up?”

Cupping his mouth, Adam yelled back up to Hoss, “Little Joe’s pretty banged up, Hoss. He’s got a broken leg and ankle. I’m not for sure just how bad the scratches are until we get Joe out of here where I can get a better look. I am almost ready for you to start pulling us up, just give me a few more minutes.” Sliding off both their belts, Adam handed one to Little Joe, telling him to bite down upon it while he set the broken bones. He didn’t wait for an answer because Little Joe was purely out of it. Acting fast, with a quick thrusting pull, Adam snapped the broken bones back into place. Little Joe knew no other world at this point in time; all that was around him was the pain as he slumped into Adam, panting for air. Tightly, Adam began spinning the belts around Little Joe’s leg and ankle for support, fastening them together with the buckle. Leaning into Little Joe, Adam softly spoke, “Every thing’s set, Little Joe, just close your eyes and hang onto me, we’re getting out of here now! Hoss, we’re ready, bring us up!” With a firm tug on the rope, Adam wrapped his arms underneath Little Joe’s just as Hoss began hoisting his two brothers up. Adam knew all too well of the fear of heights his little brother had and he hoped and prayed they would ride smoothly to the top, as he kicked off the rocky surface of the ledge with his legs once again.

Not once did Hoss flinch as the rope cut into his beefy palms, nor the blood as it trickled down his arms. God had chosen him to be big and strong and times such as this were when he felt proud of his size. Using his weight as leverage, Hoss thought of one thing and that was getting his brothers up and over that ledge to safety. Inch by inch, heave by heave, Hoss strained on the combined weight, but there was nothing but pure strength behind his stance as Hoss finally pulled Adam and Little Joe up. Reaching down, he grabbed onto his brothers, pulling them up right. Grabbing onto Little Joe, he drank in his little brother’s appearance.

Once Adam got his footing again, he steadied his little brother and untied the ropes from around their bodies. “It’s okay, Little Joe, you can open your eyes now, we’re on solid ground!”

Little Joe tried to hold onto a tough front despite his fear of heights. In truth, he was about to pass out from the pain in his leg alone and his head was spinning like crazy from the vast view, ready to give in to his stomach at any moment. He managed to get out, in between the spasms of pain, a weak smile, “What took you gals so long?”

Little Joe’s tough front couldn’t hide how he really felt deep within, they were too close for that. Hoss reached out and gently grabbed onto his little brother’s chin, turning it toward him. Hoss inspected Little Joe’s scratched face and said, “Did you hear that, Adam? Little Brother here done called you a gal!” Glancing at Little Joe’s wounds, Hoss said, “Well, Little Brother, looks like you had all the fun. Sure wish you and that wolverine would have saved some of the scrapping for me!” Wasting no more time, Hoss added, “Listen, Little Joe! Think you can wrap your arms around my neck? Ya ain’t gonna be doing nothing else but just that by the looks of those scratches and that busted up leg and ankle of yours, too. You just relax and let me take over from here. I’ll be mighty careful, don’t you worry.”

Without another word shed, Hoss tenderly reached down, pulling his little brother into his arms. He could feel Little Joe collapsing as he gathered him up. Little Joe nodded as he closed his arms around his brother’s thick neck, closing his eyes in pain; he was purely spent. He did his best to muffle his moans from Hoss, but it was too much to bear as his eyes rolled back and his head fell into Hoss’ armor like chest, unconscious, his arms went limp. Practically running with Little Joe, Hoss and Adam retraced their footsteps back to their horses. Adam gathered up the kindling along the way, he knew they had to set a fire if Little Joe was going to make it. While all this was going on, there in the distance was a braying mule. Paying no mind to it, Adam was the first to enter the camp. He took the steps and made sure there was a crackling fire, just as Hoss made it through the woods with Little Joe. Adam pulled his saddle, blanket, then his bed roll off Sport, making a warm bed for his young brother, “Hoss, set Little Joe down over here, easy!”

Hoss gently deposited a still very unconscious Little Joe into the warm bedding; standing back, he let Adam take over. It was Hoss this time who bit at the bottom of his lips, only stopping once the taste of blood laced his tongue.

Pressing a cloth upon the worst of the wounds, Adam evaluated the situation, “Little Joe has several superficial cuts upon his face.”

Hoss whispered to himself, ***Thank you, Lord.***

“But he’s not out of the woods yet.” Ripping open Little Joe’s shirt, Adam said, “Along with three good gouges upon his right shoulder blade, the worst of it, by the looks of things, would of course be the threat of infection and these broken bones. Hand me some snow, would you? We can cleanse and stop these wounds from bleeding any further. It’s not helping us any that we traveled a further distance from the ranch then anticipated.” Adam and Hoss both wore sheer panic in their eyes as they realized how bad the situation was. Little Joe’s lips now were starting to turn a light blue shade due to the attack, broken bones and the cooler night’s temperature. “Hoss, he’s going into shock! We have to get him down off this mountain and fast!”

“What do you want to do, Adam? We are too far up for a doc and there is no shelter around here for miles. We have got to get Little Joe warm some how! I’ll get the other saddle blanket off of Chubb. Here, put my coat on Little Joe. I haven’t no use for it! I am too stoked up, besides, these long johns sure are hot.”

“Fine, let me have it, but I wont be nursing you, too, if you come down sick.” Adam slid Hoss’ heavy coat over his little brother’s own winter coat. As he began to button it up, he piped up to Hoss, “And quit making all that racket, will ya? Can’t you see I am trying to think of a way to get us out of here?!”

“Huh? It ain’t me, Adam, look. It’s that old prospector from this morning, Adam. Look! Prettiest sight I ever did see.”

Breaking through Adam’s thoughts came the braying sound of a mule again, as Adam turned around just as Hoss was waving down Mica Mountain and his honored jackass.

Mica drew his covered wagon closer to the Cartwrights as a smile appeared upon his weathered face, thinking back to just this morning when the younger of the bunch helped him out. “My, what brings you fellers out here?” Slapping his hands upon his pants, Mica said, “Oh yeah, weren’t you fellers trappin’ wolf?”

Mica’s face turned from happy to sad as his questions vanished once he spotted Little Joe laid out upon the ground, ill fated. “Oh my, reckon the wolf found the young boy first, just look at his face! Need some help? Don’t mind if you put him in the back of this here wagon. I’ll take you back into town to the doc. No good with him laying on the cold ground. Before long those blankets will become wet underneath.” Turning around, Mica untied the back of the wagon flaps and pulling them aside, he said, “Hurry now, will ya? Times a wasting!” Jumping into the wagon, Mica disappeared.

Adam and Hoss wasted no time, both wanting to get Little Joe inside some place warm and out of the cold night’s elements. “Adam, you go on, I’ll get Little Joe. Just make sure things are on the up and up in the back of that there wagon, if you know what I mean.”

Patting Hoss on the shoulder, Adam reassured Hoss, “Don’t worry, I’ll go and check things out. You just get Little Joe ready.”

By the time Hoss bent down to collect his younger brother, Little Joe was still half out of it, distressed that the wolverine had come back to haunt them; the reality of it all still had not sunk in that Adam had killed the wild animal. “I see it, Hoss, it’s right there!! Right there! Look out behind you! Watch its claws, Hoss! Get out of the way! It’s gonna hurt you, too!” Little Joe covered his face with his arms in a feverish state as he tried to roll over, preventing the long claws from getting at him. Fear ripped throughout his mind once the pain set in; if he only had not been in such a feverish state, Little Joe would have known it was his leg and ankle that was causing all the pain.

Hoss’ heart bled from just the sight of his poor little brother in such fear and pain as he scooped down and gathered Little Joe up into his tight, protecting arms again. He had to snap him out of it and fast, before he injured himself more, “Joseph, stop that, ya hear? There ain’t no wolverine behind me! Adam kilt it back there in those bushes, now just take it easy. I’m the only thing that’s got you!” Wanting to calm him down, Hoss changed the subject, “Hey! Little Joe? You hear that? We done run into Mica! Can you can hear his braying jackass? He is going to take us back into town all comfortable like in the back of his fur covered wagon. Doc Martin’s gonna med you all up and Pa soon won’t be far behind. I know you’d like that, huh, Little Brother?” Hoss noticed a nod, followed by a tear that traced down his face, giving him his answer. Hoss’ voice had calmed Little Joe down by now, as he closed his eyes to sleep.

“That’s it, Little Brother, you just rest!”

Breaking through his thoughts, Adam yelled, “Hoss, everything’s all set, let’s go!”

Walking over toward the back of the covered wagon, Hoss placed a very uncomfortable Little Joe gently down on the fur covered surface, watching out for his broken leg and ankle, just as Mica came about with a jug between his fingers marked with triple exes upon the front. “Here, take a good swig of this, boy!” Mica then shoved something into Little Joe’s mouth, which was not a wise move, as Hoss pounced on him like a wild cat, grabbing at Mica’s hand, squeezing it like a vise grip. “Hey! What in tarnation do you think you’re doing, YOU, YOU MOONSHINER? Get that away from my little brother!”

The pain was excruciating as Mica opened up his crinkly hand, exposing the sugar cubes to Hoss. “Reckon I should have spoke first, but I see his lips are blue! Boy must be in a bit of pain? The jigger of moonshine should help, no? It will warm more then just his tongue, no doubt. Sugar will help this young one’s blood flow; meant no harm.” Rubbing his hand, Mica turned and said to Adam, “He sure is a strong feller, I reckon that!”

Frustrated at the situation they had gotten themselves in, Adam gave Hoss an unhappy look. True, Hoss didn’t know his own strength at times such as these and he could have just as easy broken the poor man’s arm who was only trying to help, but on second thought, Adam knew just how protective Hoss was when it came to Little Joe. Nothing could get in their way. He would fight a mountain of men if necessary for the sake of their little brother. Chuckling to himself, Adam softened up a bit just at the thought.

Nodding at Mica, Adam put his hands up accepting the illicitly distilled liquor, “Yeah, he sure is at that, Mica, thank you, this will do just fine!” Dabbing a bit of the hard liquor onto a cloth, Adam tried to calm his bigger brother by saying, “Hoss, things are going to be just fine, relax! There’s no use in the both of us back here with Little Joe, besides, you’re too darn big. Tell you what. Why don’t you put out that fire, gather up our gear and horses, then turn us back into town? I’ll tend to Little Joe and send Mica up in a few minutes, you can switch places with him then.”

Adam bent down and unbuckled Little Joe’s gun belt, sliding it from underneath his little brother, who moaned freely now as Adam passed the belt over to Hoss, who was still muttering under his breath. “Easy, Buddy, this will only take a minute.” Adam then began cleaning Little Joe’s cuts and scrapes. It no doubt would sting, but it was either that or chancing the infection to set in on the long ride home.

Little Joe’s body buckled as the sharp liquor bit into his senses. His fingers dug into Adam’s arm while his eyes pleaded with him to get it over with, “It burns, Adam!! It burns!”

Hoss eyed the liquor, still not ready to leave Little Joe’s side, and then looked at Adam, who was swaddling the cuts and scrapes on Little Joe’s chest, so confused in thought. He didn’t like it, not one bit, but knew it was for the best. Little Joe was in good hands with older brother Adam, even more so, he also began to realize that Little Joe was in a whole lot of pain right now and he probably could use anything they could get their hands on stuck way out in the middle of nowhere.

As if he was still fighting off some sort of devil with razor sharp claws, Little Joe brought Hoss to his own senses as he shouted out in a delirious state as to what he thought was the wolverine attacking him again, “Get it away! Look out behind you, Hoss! It’s coming for you, too! It’s right there! Right there! Oh, make the pain stop, Pa! Make it go away, please! It’s clawing at me, Pa ... Pa ... get it off of me!”

Placing his large hand upon Little Joe, Hoss gently set him back against the soft fur, “Shh! Ain’t nobody, ain’t nothing getting at you, Little Joe! Adam dun kilt that wolverine back there behind those rocks. Remember, I dun told you that already? There’s no need to fret about a thing! The only thing that’s gonna get around here is us, so you just lie back here and rest. You listen to Adam, don’t be giving him no flack or I’ll come back and box your ears!” Hoss’ eyes were watered up, full of worry, as he turned to Adam. “Can’t you go any faster, Adam? Innit enough already? I can’t bear him in pain no longer.”

“I’m doing the best that I can. I have to clean these wounds thoroughly, don’t worry. Look, Hoss, I know Pa wouldn’t like the thought of our little brother here drinking this so called moonshine, but it’s not Pa we should be thinking about right now, it’s Little Joe; he’s under a whole lot of pain right now, Pa’ll understand! Little Joe won’t need much and it will help the kid out by numbing some of his senses of pain and deaden the infection.” Adam then placed the jigger to Little Joe’s lips and let the warm nipping fluid slowly chug into his mouth. Little Joe put up a weak fight as he spat out the biting liquor, but Adam was successful in getting most of it down after all as his little brother slunk back down, too weak to put up a fight any longer. His gripping fingers finally loosened around Adam’s arm as the effects of the moonshine started to set in. Little Joe finally closed his eyes and gave in.

Hoss stepped out of the back of the wagon, his stomach in knots, “I’ve seen enough! Like I said, do what you gotta do, but I just as soon rassle a bear ifn’ Pa ever finds this out. I’ll get us back into town, don’t fret about that!” With that, Hoss went about gathering up their camp before turning the wagon back into town.

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

Early that morning, Ben rode into Virginia City with Hop Sing. Clearing his throat, he protested that he needed to pick up the mail and maybe for Hop Sing to buy a chicken or two to restock their livestock. Hop Sing deep down knew that this was just an excuse and the real reason, as he sighed in relief sitting next to his boss in the wagon headed for town, for Hop Sing, too, was concern when the three boys didn’t come home last night. They both sensed trouble. The two men parted, as Ben said, “Hop Sing, you go on ahead. I’ll meet you in a few minutes.” Nodding, the little Chinaman trudged down the sidewalk; turning his head, he saw Mr. Cartwright enter Roy Coffee’s office and knew there was no need to worry, Mr. Ben would take care of things and he walked gaily into Duffy’s General Store.

“Well, hello, Hop Sing! How did the boys make out in trapping that wolf up your way yesterday?“

“Not know, Mista Duffy, how boys make out, for they not show up this morning. Mista Cartwright velly worried! However, I do know they no trap wolf, they trap weasel dog with the big claw, what you call a wolverine! Hop Sing have no chickens, which means no eggs for Mista Hoss’ return. Mista Ben sent me here right away. Say you help Hop Sing.”

Scratching his stubbly chin, Duffy, deep in thought, said, “You don’t say, a wolverine, huh? You know, come to think about it, that Adam sure was a smart one. I thought that he was acting too suspicious when I asked him why he wanted to buy a trap. Everyone knows how Mr. Cartwright feels about one of those. Darn fool kid was about to spill the beans, now that I think back on it, if it hadn’t been for Adam correcting the boy; he sure is a slick one. Wolf, he says! Anyone could see that Little Joe was busting to tell someone. Shucks, that youngen would have had this whole town in an uproar over this wild wolverine, you say, and their life stock. Wolverines can be mighty vicious. I hear tell their claws are as long as bears’, sharper even, too, I bet.”

“Yes, yes, is true about wolverine, they are velly scary, Mista Duffy! Hop Sing see for himself, but also know Little Joe just a young boy, he meant no harm! In time, he will be wise like Mista Cartlight, must not judge young one when we are much old and wiser?” Confused as to why he had come into the store, Hop Sing said to himself, ***Hop Sing only wanted to buy chickens not chit chat, or is that chew the fat, about the boys?*** “If I am of bother, I will come back later for chickens, Mista Duffy?”

“Oh, of course Little Joe meant no harm, Hop Sing. I know the kid has grown on you like a son. Come on, I have some hens! I’ll show you my best ones out back; it will only take a minute.”

Moments later, Hop Sing came out of the back storage room nodding graciously as his arms wrapped around a wooden cage spotting a plump, flapping fowl inside as he nodded and smiled a thank you at Mr. Duffy. Grinning, he walked outside of the store. Speaking into the cage, Hop Sing said, “I shall call you Missy Cluck number two! You be good girl and lay plenty of morning eggs for Hop Sing, and have many chicks. We shall get along just fine, you see.” Looking from side to side, Hop Sing then addressed the hen again, “You no be good girl, we shall see fortune cookie that says a... pluck, pluck and a dunk, dunk in vigorous boiling liquid! He he he, Mist Cartlight’s favorite is a roast chicken!”

Wrapped up in his thoughts, Hop Sing failed to notice Tuck Burns as he chewed upon a toothpick, leaning up against the general store, bored as usual. Grabbing Hop Sing by the elbow as he walked by, Tuck said, “Hey, chicken brain! Who you talking to? This some sort of new Chinese language? Cluck, cluck, cluck, brawk, brawk, brawk, Cock a doodle do?!” Tuck grabbed onto the wooden cage, causing the chicken to screech out and squawk, flapping its wings to get its balance once again.

“No! No, please stop! Hop Sing want no trouble!” Hop Sing yelled in fear, that is, until a tall shadow appeared from behind, engulfing them both.

“Boy, you’ll let go of that cage now if you know what’s best for you!” Ben stood in the doorway with his strong dark looming figure and his hands upon his hips, as Tuck gulped down hard as his fears shook inside. There was something about Mr. Cartwright that had always riled him and he tried to put on his best tough guy disguise, “Well, well, look what we have here. It’s the Mighty Ponderosa. I should have known you wouldn’t be too far behind the little Chinaman; how stupid of me!”

Ben said, “If you say so, Tuck!”

Gulping, he continued, “Just like that overgrown stuffed “horse” of yours is not too far behind the little Ponderosa! You fellers take all the fun out of life! Don’t you know the sweetest pleasure is pain?”

Tuck turned to walk off as Ben cut in, “And what exactly is your outlook in life? Your excuse for picking on the good people of Virginia City this time? Oh no, wait, let me! It’s all your parents’ fault, that’s right?! They beat you , blackened that eye of yours, kicking you out! You have had a bad rap in life and nobody will give you a job, a second chance! Well, Tuck, let me be the first one to give you that second chance! Why don’t you take a real good long look in the mirror and see your reflection? You might not like what you see. Maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t your parents’ fault! Quit blaming others for your own mistakes, quit wallowing in your own self pity, because the next time you bother my boy, or Hop Sing, I will be giving you some of your own sweet pleasure to think about. Come on, Hop Sing!” Ben didn’t wait for an answer as they walked off disgusted with the likes of Tuck. If there was anyone who needed a wake up call, it was Tuck, for he soon realized he was spiraling way out of control which only led to one ending as he walked off, shaking in his boots from a taste of his own medicine.

Just then, Mica’s wagon rode into town, as Ben waved to the old miner not paying much attention, that is, till he saw his sons’ three horses tied to the back. “What have my sons gotten themselves into now?” Ben muttered to Hop Sing as they set out to greet Mica upon the wagon.

“I think we just found honorable sons number one, two, and three, Mista Cartwright. Come on, Missy Cluck number two, you come meet Mista Hoss. Best to give him plenty of bread and butter, or I fear it will be the other way around for you, he he he!”

“We sure did, come on, Hop Sing.” Ben approached Mica with a slew of questions. “Those are my sons’ horses out back of your wagon, Old Timer. You might want to explain to me how they got there and where my sons are, may I ask?”

“Your boys are in the back of this here wagon. The young one has been attacked by a wolverine, Mister Cartwright, twern’t no wolf. I just happened to come along in the nick of time; I reckon it was pure luck, that’s a fact.”

By then, the town’s people began to gather around the wagon, gasping at the news as Mr. Duffy came out of his general store wondering what the commotions was all about, confirming Mica’s statement, “You heard the old miner right. Those Cartwright boys were in my store buying supplies just the other day, talking about trapping the vicious varmint. Why, Hop Sing told me himself, ain’t that right, Hop Sing?”

Hop Sing just shook his head yes and grinned, but once the reality of it all hit him upon his square face, he looked up into Ben’s burning brown eyes, wondering how he had gotten himself wrapped up into this mess.

Duffy piped up, “Where there’s one wolverine, there is bound to be a family. Step right this way, I have plenty of traps and, might I add, they are ten percent off as of this morning.”

“They’re what? Hop Sing!” Ben stood dumbfounded as the news sunk in. The town’s folk stampeded past Ben, twirling him about as they all ran into the general store.

Inside Mica’s wagon, Little Joe could hear the babbling of voices all around him as he hung on in a feverish state, “Not going to get Hop Sing’s chickens any more!” Biting his lips, his head went from side to side, causing the feverish beads of sweat to roll off his chin, “Not going to let you! My gun, my gun, got to get my gun back. I’m so sorry, Adam! Hoss, where’s Pa? I hear Pa!”

As Adam stepped out from the back of the wagon, Hoss shouted out to him, “Adam, Little Joe sure does seem out of it! I don’t like this one bit!” Hoss placed another cool cloth on Little Joe’s forehead, “Help me get him out, it’s like a sweat box in here. You grab his legs; be careful! I’ll take a hold of his shoulders.”

Little Joe started to stir again, puzzled and confused as to where they were. “Can’t move too close to the edge, gonna fall for sure; hurry, Adam, Hoss!”

Hoss laid next to Little Joe this time, looking down on him with so much gutted concern, “Tell you one thing, Adam. I’ll feel a whole lot better once we get little brother here into the doc’s office. Sounds like a crowd is starting to gather out there. This busted up leg of his has done caused him a whole lot of pain and quite a fever; poor kid still thinks he’s back out on the ledge.” Turning, Hoss’ fingers entangled into Little Joe’s head of thick curls as he spoke out, “Shortshanks, you’re safe now, don’t you remember? Adam and I pulled you off that rocky ledge. We’re back in Virginia City. Gonna patch you up as good as new soon as we get you to the doc’s place. Just hang tight for a bit longer, we’re almost there. Are you ready, Adam?”

“I got him, Hoss! People, back up, will you let us through!? On the count of three, watch his leg, one, two, three.” Little Joe felt his head spiral out of control, his slashed shoulder blade was burning to no end, and now his leg and ankle felt like fireworks going off in every which direction as he was being lifted up into Hoss’ arms, while Adam cradled his broken leg on the other end in his fully biceped arms. Between the two older brothers, they carefully pulled and carried Little Joe out of the wagon and onto the crowded sidewalk. They knew they had to get him out of there fast.

Ben’s eyes widened with fear at the sight beyond him once he heard a lady scream out, “Oh, the poor thing, look at his face!” Cutting Mica off, Ben rushed over to his son’s side, frantic with worry, as he yelled, “Oh, dear God, JOSEPH, NO!” Placing his hands underneath Little Joe’s body, Ben took him in his strong arms, absorbing his son’s shock and injuries with his brown eyes so deeply he winced as if he felt the boy’s pain, too. Looking up at his sons, they both tried to explain, “Pa,” Adam said, “we are so sorry this wasn’t suppose to happen. The darn fool kid never listens to a word I say! Little Joe was just supposed to gather up some firewood, that’s all, things just didn’t go as planned. The wolverine attacked him, Pa.”

“Hey, yeah, Pa, but old Adam done kilt that wolverine, that is, after Little Joe and the varmint rassled about on the ledge, which led to Little Joe’s broken leg after the fall.” Hoss realized he was digging himself deeper into a hole as his senses told him to clam up.

Ben said, “HE WHAT?! Never mind all of that! My concern right now is of Joseph! I’ll get him over to Doctor Martin’s! Go on back to the ranch and wait for our return.”

“But Pa, I…” Hoss started, out but was cut off again by their father’s booming voice, “I said get, the lot of you! Hop Sing can ride back with Mica. I want him back at the ranch, too, he’s just as much a part of this as the both of you are, now get!” With that, Ben turned on his heels with his lightweight son in his arms, toward the sign that read, Doctor Paul Martin M.D.

That evening at the Ponderosa was somber. Time seemed to stop even though the grandfather clock strummed each second, chimed each hour that went by while they waited for Ben and Little Joe to return safely home. Adam eyed his bigger brother from the corner of his paper near the fire in his chair as Hoss paced the floor, clenching his hands in and out with worry, then toward Hop Sing, who had just come out of the kitchen. Placing the hot platter upon the table, he said, “It’s all ruined! I make roast anticipate, now it’s roast dissipate!! What take them so long? We no eat Hop Sing’s dinner, it all ruined!”

Adam spoke out, “We all know Pa and Doc Martin! I am sure they’re taking every cautious step there is to take before any other given actions, such as coming home for supper. Why don’t you find something else for us to eat, Hop Sing? We all could use a break around here.” Adam hoped the little dig would straighten out their boiling over cook, but all he saw was disappointment in Hop Sing’s eyes as he turned and went back into the kitchen to fetch their substitute meal. Placing a hot pot of coffee on the table with cups, Hop Sing said, “If liquid diet good enough for Mista Ben, Little Joe, then it’s good enough for you two, three counting Mista Mica! Good night!” Turning into the kitchen, his mouth never stopped chanting as they all tried to settled in for a long night’s lesson in Chinese language as it echoed throughout the house, not knowing which was worse, staying in town with Pa, or being back on the ranch with Hop Sing. Soon they all fell asleep in the grand room that night as the glow from the fireplace cast spooky shadows upon their faces, etching their worry.

~~~~~~~~

“Little Joe’s sleeping well now, Ben, that painkiller will help in the healing process and should last him the night. He’s a very sick boy, I am not going to deny it. Joseph has gone through quite a turn of events within the past twenty four hours. I have done all that I can do by setting his broken bones. The good thing is, he is young and will heal fast. Ben, it’s amazing that this young man never cracked a rib in that fall. He’s lucky he doesn’t have a bound chest along with that heavy, five pound cast. Little Joe’s not going to like this, we both know that.”

“Yes, I know.” Ben sat next to his son, so deep with worry, while he listened to their family doctor.

“What concerns me the most, Ben, are these lacerations upon his shoulder blade here, and here, although they’re not that deep, they still could be of some threat. The fear of infection, or worse yet, what kind of shape was the wolverine in? Was it well, or sickly? Was it more then just hunger that was driving that wild animal to attack Little Joe? I normally would have sent one of your older boys to fetch the dead wolverine, but I am sure its carcass is well devoured by now.”

Ben cut the doctor off and said, “I know what you’re driving at, Paul! Hydrophobia has crossed my mind, too, and I got to tell you, I don’t like this one bit! I remember quite clearly the symptoms.” Chuckling, Ben thought to himself, ***Darn fool boy thought he was turning into a werewolf.*** Placing his palm over the top of his son‘s head, Ben felt the glowing fever as he spoke, “Joseph worries me Paul. He has the fever and restlessness, hallucinations at times.”

As the two men spoke, Little Joe muttered words of fear in his sleep, “No, no, so sharp, must fight it off. Where’s my gun? Too close to the edge … won’t fall!”

“Shh, Joseph, I am right here, son, just try to relax and let the medication set it.” Wringing out the cold compress, Ben placed it upon his son’s forehead again. “Sleep, Joseph, sleep!” Ben stroked his son’s damp head, pushing away those curls before kissing him gently on the head. Ben’s fatherly touch didn’t take much and soon Little Joe was calmed down enough for the medicine to work. Slowly, his body stopped stirring about as he fell into a deep sleep again.

“True, Ben, I won’t deny that, but let’s look at all the facts before jumping to conclusions, shall we? You’re forgetting who’s the doctor here. I have examined Joseph well, there are no muscle spasms, numbness at the sites of these wounds, abdominal pain, and most of all, fear of water or air. He has a low grade fever which just as well may be causing these present symptoms, Ben. Let’s just wait till morning and we can get a better outlook on this situation. In the meantime, make sure Little Joe doesn’t scratch his face. That liniment will have to stay on those lacerations for a few days; we don’t want them to become infected, or scar. I’ll just be in the next room if you should need me. I won’t ask if you would be more comfortable in a hotel room; we both know the answer to that. Good night, Ben.”

The door closed behind the doctor and Ben took his place by his son’s bedside. His eyes closed yet again in prayer before he drifted off into slumber with his son.

“COME ON! It’s me you want not, my Pa! COME ON!” Little Joe tried to distract the snarling, snapping beast as the events played out in his dream swept mind over and over again, just before he fell over the ledge again, only waking up from a fitful scream finally as someone pulled him out of the abyss, just as he sat up, “AWEEEEEE!”

“Joseph! I got you, son, just open your eyes and take a deep breath. Joseph!! Focus now, look at your pa! You want some water?” Ben removed his protecting arms from around his son as Little Joe’s spaced out look shook his head yes. Reaching over, Ben grabbed the pitcher of water, pouring some into a tall glass. He then turned and placed it into his son’s quivering hands, “Drink this, son, you’ll feel better. Now, what’s all this nonsense about a wolverine attacking me this time? There is no need of this worry, son. The animal is dead, boy, do you hear me? DEAD! It can‘t, and will not, hurt you anymore!”

The word had finally begun to sink in, ***DEAD, DEAD, DEAD.*** Little Joe felt the relief wash over him as he fell into his pa’s loving, protecting embrace. Through fits of sobs, he formed the word, “Dead?” with questions in his eyes, to his pa.

“Yes, son, that’s right, dead!” Pa gently laid Little Joe back down, “Now you get some sleep, young man, that’s an order! I’ll be sitting right here if you should need me.” The clock struck four times, indicating it would be morning soon, as Ben placed another cold compress upon his son’s forehead before he drifted off to sleep.

Awaking that morning, Ben’s fingers found themselves entangled in his son’s sweaty curls as he leaned forward to feel for a temperature. They both had had a long, fitful night filled with shadowy nightmares and fever, and Ben was relieved to see that it was over.

Clutching his Pa’s hand, Little Joe signaled that he was awake, “Hey, Pa! What are you still doing here?”

“Oh, I had nothing else better to do, son.” Ben chuckled at his boy as he said, “How are you feeling, Joseph?” Ben knew it wasn’t the injuries that bothered his boy by now, but yet the feeling of guilt as Little Joe’s conscience was getting the better of him for putting the family through such a scary ordeal. Ben waited and listened for his son’s answer.

“I ... I’m fine, Pa!” Trailing off, Little Joe looked up, meeting his pa’s loving deep brown eyes as the truth came spilling out, “I did it again, Pa, didn’t I? I made you all worry so! I am so sorry I didn’t listen to Adam, to Hoss. It’s just that … well, I wanted to do this on my own. I was so excited to show you! To show Adam and Hoss! I wanted you all to be so proud of me, but I tried and I failed, you most of all, Pa!”

Ben gripped his son’s chin forcing him to look into his deep brown eyes as he spoke in a soft whisper, “No, son, you didn’t fail me, nor your brothers, for that matter; the only failure that possesses YOU is when you fail to try, or listen, I might add. You should know by now that you don’t have to prove a thing to any of us! You boys may be half brothers, but there is no one any closer than you three are. That’s what makes this family work, become so strong, so special, because we stand together as a whole, as one son, in any given situation. All you have to do is remember that, Joseph, and you shall not fail,” Ben sighed, releasing the bottled up worries that had possessed him throughout the night before the fever had broken. “Now, how about we get some breakfast into you, then we can have the doc take another look at you.”

“Nah, thanks, Pa! I am really not that hungry right now. I am kinda tired. Maybe later, okay?”

“Well, let me put it to you in a different light then! How does the song ‘HOME, HOME ON THE RANGE’ sound to you?”

“Just fine, Pa, just fine.” Little Joe smiled up at his pa. There was no getting around him when his mind was set. “I’ll eat some breakfast.”

The battle of wits had begun as Ben threw in a, “I know you will and then we‘ll send for Doctor Martin.”

~~~~~~~

With a basket full of freshly laid eggs that morning, Hop Sing was happy that something was going right for a change as he latched the chicken coop, walking out into the courtyard. Turning to the noise coming from around the barn, Hop Sing yelled with golden eyes of delight, “Come quickly, Mista Adam, Mista Hoss! Buggy arriving! It’s Little Joe, Mista Ben. He he he he!” Hop Sing’s excitement cost him a basket full of scrambled eggs as he dropped it, full of excitement, waddling toward the horses, taking lead of the reins, he said, “Hop Sing pondered upon your return all night. How’s Little Joe?”

“He’s pretty banged up, Hop Sing , we can talk about this inside the house. Where are those boys? I could use their help!”

Adam walked out of the barn just then, dropping the harness he had in his hand. He jogged over toward the wagon, while Hoss just about broke down the front door barreling outside to help his little brother before Adam got the chance. “Well, idn that the prittiest sight you ever did see, Adam? Hi ya, Pa!

“Sure is! You alright?” Adam looked at Little Joe with concern, who was desperately trying to get up in the back of the wagon.

“Well, I‘d be doing a whole lot better without this darn big old cast on! Someone help me up, will ya? Pa, why did Doctor Martin have to set this cast way up here? I can’t move my leg around or nothing, let me out of here.” Little Joe moved about in the back of the wagon, very uncomfortable with his seated position, trying to get up.

“That’s the whole point, Joseph!” Once Little Joe looked up at his pa, Ben pointed towards his brothers, letting his brown eyes sink in the fact that there was something else the boy needed to say.

“Oh yeah! Adam, Hoss, I … um, I … um … just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for making you both worry, for not listening to you back on the trail. I know now that going out and tracking that wolverine on my own was wrong. Suppose in a way I was just all caught up in the moment. Won’t happen again.”

Hoss threw in a, "That’s for dang sure, Little Brother, and the next time you want to smell like a skunk, I can take care of that for ya! We got Big Old La Pue out back behind the pig pen.”

Adam piped up, ”And all that time I thought that was you, Hoss."

"You just keep it up, Older Brother, and you'll be joining our little brother here!"

“Boys, boys, let’s get Joseph inside the house, shall we, before he breaks his other leg! Joseph, sit still please!” Ben turned to Mica as he offered his hand in thanks, “I don’t know how to thank you enough for aiding in my son’s return home. I would like to repay you, if I could?”

“I reckon you in a way have already done that. You raised a fine family, Mr. Cartwright. In my whole life, I have never been treated like yous all, like an equal. I have never felt that until your youngen helped me out in the street yesterday. That there showed me the lad’s inner self. Most folks would have turned their cheeks but not this one. Nope! He has got pure guts, pure gusto, takn’ on the likes of that town bully.”

“Yes, I know!” Ben looked none too happy at that point, remembering the size of Tuck.

Mica continued, “It’s me who owes you a bit of thanks for getting to know your boys. They are quite a team, I can tell you that! You have brought them up well, just like my papa would have. I will take a liken in stopping back to visit, if I may? Never got the chance in eating a good home cooked meal.”

Clasping Mica on the back, Ben said, “Well, say no more! Your staying for dinner before you go, that’s the least I can do, and you’re welcome back here any time.”

Taking his torn hat off, Mica thanked Ben as he got down from his wagon. Jackie, the big jackass, brayed up a storm in protest as her owner said, “Oh, now ,you shush up! I ain’t going nowhere. Here, eat some cracked corn, it will keep your mouth busy for awhile instead of that darn cackling. No, you darn fool, ya can’t come with me into this house, these are fine people. “ Mica pushed Jackie back, throwing some corn onto the ground.

“Let’s get this young man inside, shall we, Hoss!” Ben jumped down from the wagon as he helped Little Joe to stand up, “Easy, son, let me hold your weight.”

“Sure you don’t want a hand, Hoss?! Little Joe has five more pounds of plaster weight on him; think you can handle it?” Adam chuckled.

“Well, ain’t we smitten! Just step aside, Little Gal! Don’t you go fretting about that none! I hoisted your lead bottom down and then up the side of that ledge just fine and dandy, didn’t I?”

Little Joe found himself giggling at the comment as he got a painful reminder of his injures and soon stopped.

Continuing, Hoss said, “I just wish Little Brother’s extra pounds was meat on his bones and not the other way around.”

“Can’t argue with you there, let’s get him inside before Pa gives us a few broken bones of our own.” With that, Hoss scooped Little Joe into his arms, walking toward the house with Hop Sing leading the way. Patting Little Joe on top of his head, he said, “Good to see boy back at Ponderosa ! Hop Sing fix you plenty of your favorite dishes, you shall see. Make you forget about bumpy old cast.”

“Let’s start off with some beef broth first, Hop Sing, if you will please,” Ben said.

“Light away, Mista Cartwright! Light away!” With that, the little man turned to Mica and said, “Hop Sing ‘A’ number one cook! You shall see! After broth, I make barbecue spare ribs, sweet potatoes, and for dessert, sweet rice pudding! You will not want to leave table.” With that, the merry little Chinese man vanished around the corner into his kitchen, on a mission, as they all broke out in a fit of laughter.

Turning to Adam and Pa, Hoss piped up, “Of all the luck! We starve all night, drinking nothing but a hot toddy, while this young whippersnapper wraps our only cook right around his little finger the first day he is back. Hey, Little Brother, what’s the chances of you and me trading places for a while?”

“Heck no, Hoss! I admit I am a bit uncomfortable, but you know, a feller could get used to this!”

“Yes, well, the only thing you’re going to get used to, young man, is your bed, broth, and plenty of rest; now move it, Hoss, get your brother upstairs!”

“Ah, Pa!”

“Don’t ‘ah Pa’ me!! You wouldn’t be in this predicament if you’d just listened to your older brothers, and another thing, young man...” Pa’s parental voice trailed off around the corner, where the lecture continued.

The End

Honeybear :)

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