The Ordeal

 By The Adam Tribe

Editor’s Note: One of the “Bonanarchy Survival” challenges was that the Little Joe Tribe had to write an Adam story, and the Adam Tribe had to write a Joe story. This is the Joe story submitted by the Adam Tribe.

Sweat was pouring from every pore of his body and yet he was shivering. He clenched his fists. Every fiber of his being was on fire and nothing seemed to quench the pain. Joe Cartwright was in agony. He couldn't think. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't even find the strength to cry out. There was no relief. He was lost in a world of torment and torture and he couldn't even remember what happened. He tried to concentrate. His green eyes began to tear as he stared. No, it was more than a stare. He was obsessively focused. If there were a way to climb out of this abyss he would have to hold on to that one ray of hope. He would have to grasp at that source of strength that always came through for him, from the very beginning. He needed Pa right now. But Pa wasn't there.

Adam was there. Even though he resented it, Adam was always there, always looking out for him. It was Adam who sat on the cold ground and cradled his baby brother's head in his lap. Adam rubbed Joe's arms, as he kept the circulation moving. Joe was a bloody mess and all Adam could do was hold him. Little Joe was caught in the throe of terror and unbearable pain. How could he allow this to happen? Adam, the oldest one, the smartest one, and the rational thinker with all the answers was at a total loss. His intelligence failed him. His analytical ability to logically reason ceased to exist. His brain betrayed him. He should have known better and now his little brother was paying the price. Joe was the innocent victim. Adam was on the verge of a breakdown. He was teetering on the edge of mental collapse. He rocked back and forth like a small boy. Tears burned and stung his bloodshot eyes. Words of comfort were transformed into incoherent babbling. Joe was dying and there was nothing he could do about it. Death had never been this close before. How could he have known? He peered at the pale skin of Joe's face and he cried out. His wail pierced through the silent night. The grief was tangible. "Oh, my God, what have I done?"

As Joe lay, wrapped up in Adam's arms, his mind was swirling through the eddy of time. He was valiantly trying to climb out of the bottomless well of unconsciousness, bravely trying to climb back to the land of the living. His mind flashed through images of his brother: tall, strong, dark and intelligent. His fractured thoughts drifted toward his eldest brother, Adam. He possessed a biting wit and a scathing sarcasm that could cut through Joe like a knife or it could make him laugh uproariously. He felt an intense surge of energy as Adam's powerful arms enveloped his broken body. He felt Adam's long fingers caress his cheeks. But there was something else there. There was a resplendent aura, which transcended the physical plane. The brilliant rays were shattering the shackles of this self-imposed dungeon. Something was desperately chipping away at the barrier. It was reaching, grasping, gripping. Joe lunged forward and grabbed hold of it; he stretched the limits of his being in a fanatical attempt to rally his ebbing strength. He was expecting his Pa. Instead, he felt the stubble of Adam's chin. It was the moisture on that beautiful face that challenged him to open his eyes. Adam's tears revived him. Adam's love resuscitated him. Adam was there. It was then that Joe knew with his whole heart and soul that everything would be all right.

Mustering every ounce of energy his pain-wracked body could draw upon, he tried to pull himself to a sitting position. The excruciating agony that ripped through him tore a cry from his lips and he collapsed back to the ground. His body tensed and then shuddered under the strain of feral spasms. The darkness of suffering pressed heavily on him. Joe wished for the thousandth time, since this ordeal began, that he could see something...anything. But no light penetrated his prison. Not even a glimmer shone through to encourage the expectation of rescue. He was lost, wandering in the abandoned wasteland of his mind.

Joe was fighting the battle of his life.

"Pa." His lips formed the word, but no sound was emitted.

Now, Joe knew, his very survival depended on his big brother's courage and determination. Please, Adam, bring help. The thought was his last as he slipped once more into the welcome oblivion of unconsciousness.

Joe was fighting the battle of his life and so was Adam.

Adam's resolve was being frayed. Didn't Joe realize that the only reason "older brother" was always aloof was because he was afraid? Didn't Joe understand that the only reason the "Yankee granite head" didn't allow himself to join in jocular familiarity was because he was building his own defenses? If you don't show them that you care, then you won't get hurt. Adam loved his family with an incredible devotion and unswerving passion. His Pa, Ben Cartwright was the dynamic nerve center of his sons. His fortitude impelled them forward and kept them together. His second brother, Hoss, dear Hoss, was the heart of the family. Adam loved this gentle giant. His kindness and compassion made the world a better place. But his love ascended new heights when it came to Joe. Though their disparate personalities often put them at loggerheads, Adam always considered himself to be Joe's protector. He vowed to defend him against all harm and evil. From the moment he reached into the crib and felt a tiny hand curl around his finger, Adam appointed himself as guardian.

"I'll always be your big brother.”

He made a promise to Marie and he was determined to keep it. He swore he would watch over the well being of her son and now, look at him. It was his fault. He could not bear the thought of loosing his brother. His brother was dying in his arms and there was nothing he could do. The demons of his incompetence came to haunt him. All the walls he had built around his heart to protect himself came tumbling down when he saw his brother's unmoving body lying on the ground. The world had suddenly stopped turning. Joe wouldn't die now. He couldn't. His baby brother meant more to him than his own life.

A soft moan escaped from Joe's lips. He knew he had to wake up. But everyone knew that Joe Cartwright never wakes up by himself. He needed to be jostled. He needed to be dragged out of his reverie. But who was going to help him here in this God forsaken wilderness? He heard a voice. At first it was faint but it got louder.

"Come on, Joe, get up, you're Joe Cartwright, you can't let them find you like this. Pull yourself together, man. You can do it.” Joe was talking to himself. Convincing him to get up.

Joe heard distinct voice in the back of his mind. It was talking directly to him. Beseeching. Begging. Adam's pleas were in earnest and yet he could not respond.

Joe was amazed at the sound of his own voice. It belied a strength he didn't feel he had. Then he thought, "I really must be getting older, my voice is deeper than it used to be. My God, I'm beginning to sound just like older brother. Well, I'll show him I can get up on my own. Maybe then he'll get off my back.” I'll get up early and Pa will be really proud of me. That'll show Adam once and for all that I can carry my weight as well as Hoss can, if not better!” With that thought firmly fixed in his mind, Joe fought his way to consciousness.

Suddenly, Joe heard the deep voice again, only this time it was clearer. It was warm, comforting..."Take it easy Joe. I'm here. I'm not going to leave you. Hold on, nothing will hurt you again."  

Joe smiled to himself. He was gonna do it. That's when Adam felt it. He was transfixed as the sensation worked its way up his arms. Joe held on to Adam's hand. Ever so gently, Joe wrapped his fingers around Adam's hand and squeezed. It was barely discernible. But it was there.

"Joe, wake up. Do you hear me? Do you feel me? Come on, Kid, do it for me, do it for me," Adam implored. "Please, Joe, just open your eyes for me, one time. Please, Joe, you can do it, you have to do it, for me."

Then he bent down and placed his forehead against Joe's face. His entire body shook as he clutched Joe to his chest. "I know you can hear what I'm saying, Joe. Just listen with your heart. Then, in the faintest of whispers he uttered, "Joe, don't you know how much I need you. I always have and I always will. I love you, Kid."

The next anguished lament that escaped from Joe tore at Adam's heart. It struck a devastating blow at his very soul. Adam's stoic veneer was slowly deteriorating. His composure was shattered. What the hell could he do? He needed direction. He needed someone to tell him what to do. And then a shaft of light penetrated through his haze. Adam had an epiphany. All this time, it was Joe who kept him going. Joe kept him on his toes. That ornery cuss who Hoss called Short Shanks was a royal pain in the butt but he was the animated burst of energy that kept the Ponderosa illuminated and lively. That rapscallion of a youngest son was like a breath of lavender. His antics and shenanigans kept them on their toes. The get rich schemes, the get-the-girl schemes, the get Adam schemes kept them hustling and bustling. He was the core of their essence. Suddenly, Adam knew exactly what he had to do. No matter what it took, he had to save Joe. Joe was his primary objective. Joe was Adam's salvation.

"Come on, Joe, open your eyes. Let me see those famous emerald eyes flash, come on, just open them once."

Joe's eyes never deceived. They revealed intense depths of emotion. Adam could look into those eyes and know exactly what Joe was feeling or thinking. They glistened with glee, darkened with despair and shifted shades to reflect diverse moods. Adam used to tease Joe that he could speak volumes without uttering a single word by just batting his eyes. But now, those brilliant green windows refused to open up.

Adam shook Joe gently in an attempt to ease him awake. Then, Joe began to stir. His face was contorted in pain. His lids fluttered and he opened his eyes to find himself fixed in Adam's relieved watch. Pain washed afresh over his body. His chest rose with the struggle to draw in the air he needed to speak, but when he opened his mouth, his whispered words were so faint, his big brother had to strain forward to hear them.

"Oh, God, Adam, it hurts, it hurts so bad. Adam, I don't want to die here. Adam, where's Pa? I need him. I don't want to die without him. Oh, Adam, don't let me die here."

"Shh, little buddy. Calm down. I'm here for you now. I'll get you to Pa, I promise. You gotta trust me, Joe. Please try to relax. Shh."  

Joe was agitated. He was disoriented and felt lost. His thoughts were erratic and disorganize. Worst of all, the brutal pain was crippling him.

"Adam, I wanna got home. Get me outta here. I want Pa."

Adam held on to Joe's convulsing body. He gnashed his teeth and swore, "I'll see to it, boy, I swear it."

Adam dabbed some water from his canteen onto Joe's dry and parched lips. Joe eagerly lapped up the drops.

"Take it easy, boy."

"What...what happened?"

Adam's face twisted into a guilty grimace.

"Don't you know?" he blurted, and then shook his head.

"It doesn't matter now. What matters is that you're injured and we need to get you out of here. First, though, we better figure out where you're hurt. Can you tell me Joe, what hurts? Are you able to move at all?"

Joe's first instinct was to respond that everything hurt - everything that wasn't numb. Every inch of his flesh was burning. With great effort, he forced himself to concentrate on isolating the exact sources of misery. His head was throbbing horribly and he assumed the stickiness he felt on his face was blood. Okay, that's one. His left hand still clung to Adam's, but when he tried to move his right, shock waves of agony rolled through him. He gritted his teeth and hissed a breath of distress. His muscles cramped up. Nausea welled up and he swallowed hard to control the urge to vomit. He thought with black humor, Okay, that's two.

His back was throbbing, but he was able to move his legs, so he figured that injury was relatively minor. He guessed that he had at least a couple of broken ribs, as each shallow breath seared him like a branding iron.

"Head aches...pretty bad," he managed at last. "Think my...arm's broken...Ribs, too..."

Adam nodded and his eyes swept over Joe's battered body. "Yeah, you've got a pretty good gash on your head there. Another one on your knee looks like, but not as bad. Do you think you can sit up?"

"Yeah, I'll try." As Joe struggled to right himself, the world tilted and a sudden wave of nausea rose up again.

Adam noticed too late. Joe tried to control himself, but failed. He gagged, choked and threw up on Adam's boots. Adam simply rubbed Joe's back and held him until the tremors of dry heaving ended. He offered Joe his canteen and Joe rinsed his mouth.

"Thanks Adam." Joe mumbled.

"It's a good thing I like you kid," Adam laughed, "because it's not everyone I would let throw up on my new boots."

Adam paused and decided to help Joe back down. "Stay put Joe. We need to figure out what to do next."

Adam knew he had to get Joe back to the Ponderosa. Adam didn't verbalize his trepidation. Gangrene, internal bleeding, infection, exposure - any of these were inevitable. Adam kept these fears bottled up inside.

"I'm fine, Adam."

"Sure you are, little brother. Just fine."

Joe struggled to speak, "Adam, are you okay?"

"Me?” Adam was amazed at Joe's genuine concern. "Don't worry about me, buddy."

Adam shifted his weight as he tried to make Joe more comfortable. At the same time he gently tried to examine his injuries. Joe was stubbornly trying to mask his pain so he bit down hard on his lip. Involuntarily he recoiled from Adam's touch. He tried to take his mind off the pain and searched for a distraction. He looked around and then it hit him. Something was very wrong. Something was out of place.

Joe anxiously asked Adam, "Where's Cochise? Is he okay?"  

Adam didn't know what to say. Cochise was still lying on the ground, nearly motionless. It appeared to have a broken back. Adam realized he had to handle Cochise, but how? How could he destroy the one true thing that his little brother loved more then anything? These thoughts raced through Adam's head like a whirlwind but there didn't seem to be any other solution. He knew that he'd to explain to Little Joe that there was no other alternative.

Joe began to panic. He couldn't control his breathing. The shallow breaths were becoming raspier and shorter. Adam couldn't look Joe in the eye. His reluctance to make eye contact spurred Joe into another fit of outrage.

"What the hell happened here?”

Vividly, it all came flooding back. Joe wished to God that he was wrong, but he knew better. His eyes blazed with the rage of an inferno. His fierce glare impaled Adam. It condemned him. No excuses. No defense. Adam was guilty. Joe knew it. Adam knew it and he knew he'd have to bear the guilt and shame for as long as he lived.

*****

He didn't mean it. He should have known better. Big brothers are supposed to have stronger instincts. But Joe knew how to push Adam's buttons and rile him.

It had been a long day out on the range. Herding cattle. Branding cattle. Rounding up strays. Keeping the hands in tow. But the day’s work was done and things were settling down. Hoss volunteered to stay with the crew overnight so that Adam and Joe could go home. That's when it started.

The moon was shining high in the heavens. However, the stars were not out and it was a very dark night. Sport and Cochise were cantering along side by side. It was quiet. No mooing. No bleating. No more cows. Adam was enjoying the serenity of silence. Joe was bored and decided to entertain himself - by getting on Adam's case.

"Sport is beginning to look a lot like you, older brother," Joe chortled.

Adam knew where this conversation was going nowhere. So, he just ignored Joe's needling.

"You know what, Adam, I take it back. Sport looks a lot better than you do. Sometimes I think you're the old nag."
Adam thought to himself, "What an appropriate choice of words, cause that's all you do - nag, nag, nag."
But still he controlled himself and said nothing.

Joe was just getting started. It was a long ride home and he wasn't going to spend the time talking to himself. He was going to goad Adam into reacting.

"Adam, I think maybe this work is getting to be too much for an old codger like you. Seems to me the reason you're so quiet is that you can't do two things at the same time, talk and ride.” Joe was snickering out loud.

"That's it. You want to see how I can ride and talk and the same time, I dare you to keep up with me.” With a holler Adam was off and running. The wind was whipping against his face and he kept riding. "Come on Sport, let's get outta here. I need some space."  

Adam and Sport were galloping at full speed when Joe and Cochise caught up with them. Joe tipped his hat as he raced past his brother.

"See you at the Ponderosa."

He turned back to wave and in that split second the earth gave way. Where once there was firm ground, Joe found himself floundering in the air. Cochise disappeared from underneath. Joe was tossed into the air like a paper kite and then he was spiraling downward. His body slammed against the cliff as he hurdled down its side. He continued his rolling descent and repeatedly smashed his head into the sheer wall. The impact his body absorbed got worse with the increasing speed of his fall.

The last thing he heard was Adam screaming, "Joe, watch out!”

"Why is he always yelling at me?" was Little Joe's last coherent thought before he was engulfed in the ebony darkness of night.

Adam ran to the edge of the cliff. He felt something very horrible inside of himself - it was fear. Without hesitation he scrambled towards his brother. Down and down he clambered. His heart fiercely pounded. The adrenaline surged through his body, impelling him forward, faster and faster. The branches lashed against his skin - he didn't even feel it as they burned into his skin. His priority - get to Joe.

Adam gasped at the horror of the sight. Joe was sprawled against the side of the cliff; his body was covered with deep purple bruises and lashes. Patches of raw skin could be seen in some places. Then Adam noticed the ominous stain spreading through Joe's shirt. Blood was everywhere. It was a frantic Adam that nestled Joe in his arms. He tried to pull himself together as he felt Joe's pulse. It was throbbing at a strong pace. His powerful arms surrounded Joe as he pulled him deep into his chest. Adam needed to feel Joe's warmth. He needed to feel his life force emanating. By comforting Joe, he was comforting himself.

This was one hell of a mess. Adam began to admonish himself, "What were you thinking. And you call yourself the smart one? You're nothing more than a brainless nitwit!"

Then, he abruptly stopped this reckless train of thought. "Cool it, man. Now is not the time to lose it. Stay clear and level headed."  

He took a deep breath and held it. He would not allow circumstance to defeat him. He whispered hoarsely "Joe, I promise you we'll get through this together. I won't let you down. I won't let you die.

The ordeal drained them physically and emotionally and they were both exhausted. Overwhelmed by guilt, anger, fear and fatigue, they fell asleep in each other's arms.

*****

The sun was shining brilliantly. The rays almost kissed their ashen cheeks. It was a beautiful morning as a new day dawned upon Adam and Joe. Adam woke up first. The writhing and twisting of Joe’s battered form jostled him. His irrational outcry evolved into a massively deafening appeal for help. A guttural, blood-curdling shriek stretched and extended clear to the very heavens. Joe remembered everything.

"Oh, God, Cochise. Oh God no, no not Cochise. Please God, let him be okay. Oh Pa, I need you," Joe cried out.

Sheer terror ruptured his soul. His best friend, his confidante the extension of his being was dying before his eyes.

"Easy Joe, I'll get you out of here. I'm sorry 'bout Cochise. Do you want to say goodbye before I put him down?"

Adam couldn't help but feel guilty. His own anger and lack of responsibility led to this. His brother's horse was to be destroyed, but Cochise was more than just a horse to his little brother.

Joe was beyond control of his emotions. He had a deep pain that no medicine would ever heal. A scar that ran so deep he felt as if his body was split in two.

His mind was reeling. "No, not Cochise; he can't be that bad. Adam must be wrong. Oh Pa, where are you? I need you so badly right now.” Tears welled up in his eyes and flowed down his dusty face. Salted water swirled with dried blood as the torrent of tears fell to the forest floor.

"Take me to him Adam, take me to Cochise."

He felt himself being lifted but the physical pain was nothing in comparison to the dagger that had penetrated his heart and soul. He gasped and a deep moan came from his lips as his beloved pony came into view.

"Cochise, oh God, Cochise." Joe shook himself from his brother's grasp and managed to drag himself to his pony. He threw himself towards the prone Pinto. Sobs wracked through his body as he gripped the soft coat and entangled his fingers through the long black and white hairs of his flowing mane.

"I'm so sorry, Cooch. Oh God what have I done. Oh, Cooch. Please get up. Oh God please let him be okay."

Adam stood back watching the heart-rending scene. How could he put down this horse that brought his little brother so much joy? He would have to find a way for the horse to live, even if he could never be ridden again. He slowly dragged his feet to the younger brother that clutched the horse tightly, refusing to release his last hold on the animal.

Joe felt the strong and reassuring hand of his brother as it grasped his shoulder. Without a second thought he threw himself into his brother's arms and sobbed until his tears would come no longer. The effort drained him of his strength and he found himself drifting into a bottomless pit of oblivion. He lapsed into a coma.

Adam carried his brother a short distance away from the horse and settled him down. He took the opportunity of Joe's stupor to set his broken arm and wrap his ribs. It was the best job he could do with the limited resources he had available. His next challenge was to see about saving the animal that his brother loved as much as he did his Pa.

Adam returned his attention to Cochise. He coaxed the Pinto to get on its feet so that he could check its condition. Although unsteady, Cochise stood still. Luckily, Cochise did not break a leg. Had that been the case, there would be no choice but to put the Paint out of misery. It was then that Adam saw the reason for the horse's reluctance to move. A deep gash extended down the right side of the neck to the hindquarters. It would need cleaning and cauterizing, both quite painful, but if he could avoid the onset of infection, Adam knew Cochise would be as good as new in no time. Joe's prayers were indeed heard.

Cochise seemed to be a bit more at ease as Adam quietly spoke to him and calmed him down. The bandages were in place and Cochise softly whinnied to Adam as if saying, "Thanks, older brother.”

Adam settled down beside Joe to ponder the next formidable task, how to get out of this ravine that trapped them.  "Terrific - one injured horse, one injured brother and wall of rock that goes straight up." He thought wryly.

Joe slowly opened his eyes and thought he was dead. He saw Cochise standing. Was he dead too? Oh no, he died out in the backwoods and never got to see his Pa. He looked around and spotted his brother a short distance away. Was Adam dead too? He didn't realize there would be so much pain after death. His whole body felt like one massive bruise. He tried to stand but the nausea returned and his head swirled in rhythm to the rough sea.

"Pa, oh Pa I'm so sorry. I didn't get to say goodbye."

Adam had noticed his brother's return to consciousness and was confused with the fervent plea he heard.

"Goodbye? What are you talking about, Joe?"

"You died too? Oh God what happened? First Cochise, then me, and now you? Oh Pa, I'm so sorry."

"Nobody died, Joe; you're gonna be just fine. Cochise too."

"Cochise is okay?" Joe was confused. He lovingly felt the Paint nuzzle up to him.

"Didn't I make a promise to you? Don't I always keep my promises? Yeah, he's gonna be just fine, buddy.

"Adam, what can I say? Thanks, brother."

"Forget it. Joe, listen to me; I found a way outta here. I'm going to go up and get Sport down. Cochise can't be ridden and it's too far to carry you. I'll be gone only a little while. You just close your eyes and rest here a bit."

Joe watched as his brother left and cast his eyes upon Cochise. He smiled brightly at his best friend. He knew everything would be okay as he closed his eyes once again and drifted into the land of painless dreams.

A small shadow crossed the sun-laden path waking Joe from his slumber. She was a vision of loveliness. Her petite figure sent shivers down the length of his body. A strange combination of feelings coursed through him - serenity and excitation. His green eyes followed her delicate figure. He rose to his feet amazed at the light-weighted sensation of his body. The pain was gone. Curiosity consumed him like a plague. Why did she evoke such emotion? Each step brought a higher sense of confusion until he was face to face with her exquisite beauty. He caught his breath as the luster of her fair skin lightly shimmered in the bright sun. Her eyes twinkled with vitality. His gaze fell upon the light pink lips that were slightly parted and inviting. Without hesitation he drew her into his unyielding embrace. Their lips met and his heart melted with the intense heat they produced. She tasted sweet. His ardor grew like the insatiable hunger of a starving man. He moved his hands up and down her back, slowly caressing the soft skin. She responded by leaning in closer. She emitted a deep cry of ecstatic bliss as she hugged him. He felt himself being shaken.

"Joe, Joe. Come on, buddy, time we got you home."

It was Adam. Perfect timing, couldn't he have waited another few minutes. Joe groaned loudly and rolled his eyes at his brother’s concerned face.

Adam smiled inwardly. He knew what his brother was dreaming about. He recognized that grinning smirk on his brother's face. It was definitely a Joe Cartwright hallmark. He knew everything was back on track. Joe was going to be all right. He was going to make it!

***********

"Pa I just don't understand." Hoss scrunched up his face while he scratched his head.

"Hoss, are you sure that Adam and Joe weren't stopping anywhere on the way home?"

"No sir, they said they was coming straight home. They should have been here yesterday."

Ben was worried. He had a strange premonition that his beloved Little Joe, was hurt and in delirious need of his Pa. He had a very close relationship with his youngest son. He possessed a sixth sense when it came to Little Joe. He knew what he had to do, his baby needed him and he was not going to let him down.

"Hoss, saddle the horses; we're going to go find them."

It was late afternoon when they reached the ravine. Ben pulled up on Buck's reins and demanded that they halt. Hoss did as his father requested but didn't understand why. There was no evidence to indicate that Adam and Joe were anywhere near this place. But Ben knew better. He felt it. This was the place.

They scouted around when he heard Hoss exclaim, ""Pa over there!" Hoss kicked Chubb into motion.

"Oh God. Joseph, what happened to you, my poor baby?” Even from this remote range, he perceived his precious Joe's extreme distress and suffering.

Ben shouted down to them, "Adam! Joe!”

Adam saw them. He knew what was coming. They wouldn't give him a second glance. It's as though he were an apparition, an invisible specter, and a nobody. Hoss would gush all over his "Punkin'" and Ben would gush all over his "young man.” Adam would merely be a phantom. Then the admonishing accusations would start.

"Adam, he's only a boy."

"How in the world did you let something like this happen?"

It was always his fault. The failure to watch over his brother and protect him sat on his shoulders like a mountain and he was crumbling under its weight. Whatever Ben decided to mete out, he would take it like a man. However Ben would lash out at him, he would understand. After all, he was the oldest. What was important was that Joe was safe and now Pa would take control of the situation. Adam wished he could make himself disappear to avoid the wrath and disappointment of his father.

Ben came galloping down into that ravine with the determination of a warrior bravely going into the fray. He jumped off Buck in one fluid movement. He paused and put his arms around Adam's shoulders, looked him straight into the eye and said, "Are you okay, son?"

Adam choked up. All Adam could do was nod his head and say was that one special word, "Pa!"

Ben immediately crouched next to his youngest, "Joseph, Joe, do you hear me boy? I'm here."

Joe was dreaming again. It was another wonderfully pleasant diversion. He smiled. He decided never to wake up from this fantasy. He would not allow himself to be awakened. He refused to abandon this pleasant image. He sat back and watched the scene unfold. His Pa and Hoss were riding fast. He saw them leap from their horses and hurry to his side. It was then that he began to cry. Finally, the gentle touch of the one person that made everything right in his world caressed him. A great sense of relief washed over him. Everything would be okay now. Pa was here. He smiled his brilliant smile as fresh tears made new tracks down his cheeks. The world was once more right again. Cochise was alive and the most important person in his life was with him. He felt himself embraced in the gentle warmth and summoned up his strength to say that one special word, "Pa."  

*****END*****