Summary:   A young Ponderosa ranch hand learns that sometimes the cost of pride can be too high.

Rating:  T   (10,950 words)

The High Cost of Pride Series:

The High Cost of Pride
The Seeds of Hate

 

The High Cost of Pride

Joe was just leading his horse out of the barn when a stranger rode into the yard. He waited to find out what the man wanted. He thought he looked to be just a few years older than himself. The man stepped down from his saddle and held out his hand. “Howdy, name’s Cody Swayne.”

 

Joe shook the man’s hand. “Joe Cartwright. What can I do for you?”

 

“I was told in town that you might be hiring.”

 

Joe nodded. “You came to the right place. Come inside and talk to Pa.”

 

When they walked inside, Joe walked over to his father who was sitting at his desk. “Pa, got a man here looking for a job.”

 

After introductions had been made Ben asked, “Have you worked on ranches before Cody?”

 

“Yes sir. All my life. My Pa owned a little place in Arizona but he died three years ago. My older brother owns it now. I’ve worked at a lot of other ranches since then. The Big W in Arizona and The Double M. I can give you the names of others. They’ll all tell you I’m a hard worker.”

 

“Why have you worked so many places?” Ben asked.

 

“I just like to move around,” Cody replied.

 

Ben nodded. “You’ve got yourself a job if you want it.”

 

“Thank you sir. I want it.”

 

“Joe will show you where to store your gear in the bunkhouse and then you can go with him.”

 

“Yes sir,” Cody replied, reaching once again to shake hands with Ben, “Thanks again.”

 

**********

 

Joe and Cody talked while they rode. Joe explained where they were going.

 

“We’re going to the North pasture to meet my brothers. We’re going to bring a few head of cattle in. Pa wants to give them to the Indians. Some of them are starving and Pa hopes this might stop any trouble before it starts. Other wise they might start raiding ranches.”

 

“You don’t have much Indian trouble around here?”

 

“No. Things are pretty quiet.”

 

On the way to the north Pasture they met Adam and Hoss who were herding about fifteen head of cattle.

 

“Hey little brother. Nice of you to show up,” Hoss said, “We didn’t think you were coming. Were you waiting until we got most of the work done?”

 

Cody immediately said, “I was the one that delayed him. It’s not his fault.”

 

The Cartwright brothers all noticed that Cody seemed nervous. Joe laughed and said to Cody, “Don’t worry, they’re used to me being late. Cody, these are my brothers, Adam and Hoss.” Joe pointed them out and continued, “This is Cody Swayne. He just started work for us.”

 

“Cody,” Adam said, “Good to have you working for us.”

 

On the way back to the ranch the four men talked and laughed while they brought the cattle in.

 

A few days later Ben, Adam and Hoss went to take the cattle to the Indians and Joe and Cody worked on fixing a fence. They’d been getting on well and often found themselves talking about their lives.

 

“You get on well with you brothers?” Cody asked, although the way he said it, it was more of a statement than a question.

 

“Yeah, I guess,” Joe replied, “we fight sometimes but I guess all brothers do.”

 

“My brother and I sure did,” Cody said.

 

Joe looked at Cody for a moment, wondering if he should ask the question he’d been thinking about.

 

Cody could see that Joe had something on his mind, “What is it?” He asked.

 

“You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to but I was just wondering why your father left the ranch to your brother? Why didn’t he leave it to both of you? Is it just the two of you? You don’t have other brothers and sisters?”

 

“No, It’s just Steve and me. As to why he got the ranch, well, he’s the oldest. I always knew the place would be his. Pa and Steve always made that clear to me. I’d like to have my own place one day.”

 

“How old were you when your Pa died?”

 

“Seventeen.”

 

“What about your Ma?” Joe asked, “Where’s she?”

 

“I never really knew her, she died when I was little.”

 

“Mine too,” Joe said, “Do you mind talking about it. I don’t want to be nosy, I was just curious.”

 

“That’s okay. I don’t mind.”

 

“So you were on your own at seventeen.” Joe had just turned seventeen and he couldn’t imagine life without his family around.

 

“Yep. I left the day after Pa’s funeral. I knew I wasn’t welcome there anymore.”

 

“Why did your brother feel like that? Do you know?”

 

“He resented me. After Ma died, with Pa working, my brother had to look after me. He just grew to hate me for it.”

 

Joe grew quiet as he thought about his brothers. They’d never made Joe feel like he was a burden to them when he was little but now he found himself thinking about it and wondering if maybe they had felt that way, his thoughts were interrupted by Cody.

 

“It’s lucky you get on with Adam so well. Will you stay here when he takes over?”

 

“What do you mean, when Adam takes over?” Joe asked, puzzled.

 

“Well the Ponderosa will be Adam’s one day. What will you do then?”

 

“No,” Joe shook his head, “the ranch will belong to all of us.”

 

“Really? Are you sure?”

 

“Of course, ”Joe didn’t like talking about that particular subject so he said, “Pa’s going to be running the Ponderosa for a lot of years yet.”

 

“Yes,” Cody agreed, “still, it must rankle Adam that he would have put in a lot more work into helping your Pa make this ranch what it is when you were little and you end up with an equal share.”

 

Joe frowned and seeing the look on his face, Cody thought his comments had been out of line and he said, “I’m sorry Joe. I shouldn’t have said that. It’s none of my business. I guess I was just thinking about my own situation. No hard feelings?”

 

Joe shook his thoughts away and said, “Of course not. I was asking about your life. It’s only natural you’d ask about mine.” Joe decided to change the subject. “Hey, are you going to the dance on Saturday night?”

 

“I don’t know. Maybe.”

 

“Oh come on. You have to come otherwise I’ll have to fight all the girls off myself,” Joe joked.

 

Cody laughed and said, “Okay, I’ll come and help protect you.”

 

The two laughed as they started back to work.

 

**********

 

That night after dinner as Ben and Adam sat reading, Hoss and Joe played checkers. Joe’s mind wasn’t entirely on the game though. He couldn’t stop thinking about the conversation he’d had with Cody.

 

“Wake up Little Joe,” Hoss said nudging him, “It’s your move. What’s wrong with you tonight?”

 

Ben put down his book and looked over, asking, “Are you feeling alright Joseph?”

 

“I’m fine. Just thinkin’ is all.”

 

“That must be painful,” Adam said sarcastically.

 

Joe pulled a face and said, “Ha, ha. Very funny.”

 

Ignoring his oldest son, Ben asked his youngest, “What are you thinking about son?”

 

Joe shrugged. “It doesn’t matter,” and went back to his game with Hoss.

 

Ben continued to watch Joe, knowing something was troubling him.

 

**********

 

On Saturday night Adam and Hoss were downstairs dressed and ready to go to the dance. They were waiting on Joe.

 

“Come on Little Joe,” Hoss yelled up the stairs. “What’s takin’ you so long?”

 

“I’m coming,” Joe yelled back. A few minutes later he ran down the stairs to join his brothers.

 

“I don’t know why it takes you so long to get ready Joe, you’re pretty enough,” Hoss snickered, “all the good food will be gone by the time we get there.”

 

“You two could have gone on without me you know,” Joe said.

 

“We’ve had to wait for you to tag along since the day you were born. I guess Hoss and I are just used to it by now,” Adam said. He was only joking and he didn’t see the hurt look that flickered in Joe’s eyes.

 

By the time they reached the dance Joe had put Adams comments out of his mind. Cody had gone in with a couple of the other hands and was already there when the Cartwright’s walked in, when he saw Joe he waved and walked over to talk to him.

 

“Hi Cody,” Joe said, “How’s it going?”

 

“Met a real nice girl, Sarah Miller do you know her?”

 

“Yes,” Joe nodded, “so you’re glad you came then?”

 

“Sure am,” Cody looked around as he saw Sarah wave to him, “Better go. I’ll talk to you later.”

 

Joe laughed. “Sure.”

 

**********

 

About two months after Cody started work on the Ponderosa, he went into town with Adam to get some supplies. As they walked into the store, Adam noted the store owners arm was in a sling and asked, “What happened, Matt?”

 

“It was my own fault, fell over a box I left on the floor. Mary’s just gone out on some errands. I hate to ask but could you get whatever you need off the shelves yourselves. It’s a bit hard with only one hand,” he held up his left arm.

 

“Sure, no problem,” Adam said as he handed Cody the list. “I know where everything is so you just read out what we need and I’ll get it.”

 

Cody looked at the list and then handed it to Matt and said, “He can do it. You don’t pay me to be a store keeper. I have some stuff to do so I’ll meet you back here alright.”

 

As Cody walked away, Adam called him but was ignored.

 

An hour later on the way home, Adam said angrily, “I don’t know what that was all about today but don’t you ever do that again. You’re paid to do whatever we ask you too not what you’ll decide you’ll do.”

 

Cody didn’t answer him and Adam wondered what could have gotten into him. He was usually so easy going.

 

**********

 

Late one morning, Adam and Joe were finishing up some repairs on the barn when Hoss rode into the yard.

 

“Something’s fouled the north water hole. It needs cleaning out. I’ve got to take that equipment up to the sawmill and then I’m going to give them a hand. I won’t be home till late. One of you will have to do it.”

 

“You know I have to meet Pa in town. We’re going to talk to one of the mine owners about some shares. I was just about to go and get changed,” Adam replied.

 

Joe looked around and said dejectedly, “Guess that leaves me.”

 

“Guess it does at that,” Hoss said and both older brothers laughed.

 

Adam took pity on Joe and said, “Cody should be back soon. He just had to collect that horse Davidson borrowed from us. Leave a note for him on the barn door to meet you at the water hole to give you a hand.”

 

Late that evening, just on dark, as Ben and Adam arrived home they met Joe just coming into the yard from the opposite direction. Joe was filthy, tired and in a bad mood.

 

“Did you just finish?” Adam asked.

 

“Yes,” Joe said angrily, “I had to do it myself. Cody didn’t show.”

 

Adam frowned and looked around the yard before saying to Ben, “Cody was supposed to meet Joe to help him clean a water hole.”

 

“He might have a good reason for not showing up,” Ben said.

 

“Humph,” Joe grunted.

 

“He’d better. This isn’t the first time he’s had a problem following orders.” Adam dismounted and reached for Joe’s reins. “Here Joe, give me your horse and I’ll put him up.”

 

Joe dismounted and said, “Thanks Adam. I feel like I need to sit in a bath for a week to get clean again.”

 

Handing Bucks reins to Adam as well, Ben said, “Come on then. We’ll take care of that.”

 

Walking across the yard to the barn, Adam’s anger burnt as he saw a group of men enter the yard, including Cody. When he saw him dismount, Adam called out, “Cody, can I see you for a minute.”

 

Cody walked over to him and Adam asked, “Where have you been?”

 

“No one was here when I brought Flash back so I went to help them fix that fence on the south line.”

 

“Where’s Flash?”

 

“I put him in the barn.”

 

Adam stalked to the barn door and pointed at the piece of paper still pinned to the door and said, “Did you see that?”

 

“Yes,” Cody replied, flushing.

 

Adam expelled his breath and shook his head. “I don’t understand you. I thought we had this out before. You don’t get to pick what jobs you do.”

 

“I’m sorry.”

 

“Joe expected you to turn up to help him clean that water hole. It’s a hard job to have to do on your own. Apologize to him not me. You have one more chance Cody. Don’t blow it.

 

Cody hung his head as Adam walked past him into the barn, the three horses trailing after him.

 

Cody waited until the next morning to apologize to Joe, hoping that a good night’s sleep would make him more forgiving.

 

Joe walked out of the house and looked around when he heard someone call, “Joe.” Seeing Cody walking towards him, he walked over to meet him.

 

“I’m sorry about yesterday. I don’t know what got into me. I guess I just hate cleaning water holes.”

 

“Don’t we all,” Joe replied.

 

“It won’t happen again. I’ll clean the next ten to make it up to you.”

 

“Ten!” Joe said, “That must have been some talk Adam gave you.”

 

“He told you?”

 

“Yeah, he said he gave you one more chance. Forget it,” Joe said as he noted the downcast look on Cody’s face, “I have and so will Adam. You’ll see.”

 

Just then, Ben came out of the house and walked over to the young men. When he reached them, Cody said, “Sir about yesterday. I was just telling Joe that it won’t happen again.”

 

Ben nodded, “See that it doesn’t and we’ll say no more about it.” Adam had told his family the previous night about his conversation with Cody and like Adam, Ben was prepared to give Cody another chance.

 

Ben turned to Joe and said, “Joe, I forgot to tell you. I saw Max Reed in town yesterday. Remember that stallion he got from Sam Dellings?”

 

“Sure do Pa. That’s some horse. He would have made great breeding stock, that’s for sure.”

 

Ben grinned, knowing he was about to make Joe very happy. “I know you wanted him and Max needs to raise some money so I bought the horse yesterday. I told him we’d be out today to pick him up.”

 

Joe broke into a grin. “Thanks Pa,” he turned to Cody and said, “Wait until you see this horse. He’s almost as good as Cochise,” he heard Ben laugh and turned back to his father, “I said almost.”

 

Ben laughed again and said, “Well go and saddle our horses then so we can go and get him.” He shook his head at Joe’s exuberance and went back inside.

 

Cody watched Ben walk away and said, “Your lucky to have him as a father, Joe. I wish I’d been as lucky.”

 

“You’ve talked about lots of things you did when you were a kid but you haven’t talked much about your family. What was your father like?”

 

“Not like yours. Your family’s a real family. Mine was just a group of people living under the same roof.” Seeing he’d dampened Joe’s enthusiasm, he determined to lighten the mood. “You heard your father. You better get those horses saddled.”

 

“I’m gone,” Joe laughed as he ran to the barn.

 

**********

 

Cody had been seeing Sarah regularly since meeting her at the dance. Then one day Joe returned from town with a letter from her.

 

“Cody, I saw Sarah in town, she asked me to give you this,” he passed the letter over and Cody put it in his pocket. “Aren’t you going to open it? Joe asked.

 

“I’ll open it later,” Cody replied.

 

The following week Joe and Cody went into town to pick up some supplies, while they were loading them they saw Sarah walking down the street. Both men smiled and tipped their hats when she reached them.

 

“Hello Little Joe. How are you?” she asked, pointedly ignoring Cody.

 

“What’s wrong Sarah?” Cody asked, confused about why she wasn’t talking to him.

 

“Did you give Cody my letter last week Joe?” she asked.

 

Joe nodded, “Yes. When I got back to the ranch.”

 

Sarah turned to Cody, “I know the invitation was short notice but as I explained in my letter my mother decided to have a small family party for my fathers birthday since my grandparents were visiting. If you couldn’t attend you could at least have had the decency to reply. I won’t tolerate such rudeness. If that’s the kind of person you are then I don’t want to go out with you anymore.” With that, she turned and walked away.

 

“Go after her,” Joe said.

 

Cody shook his head, “No. There’s no use, she wouldn’t listen.”

 

“Why didn’t you go to the party?”

 

Cody shrugged. “I just forgot.”

 

Joe raised his eyebrows but didn’t say anything. They finished loading the supplies and went home.

 

A week passed, Cody had been into town a few times to see Sarah but she still refused to talk to him.

 

One morning Joe and Cody were riding out to check on part of the herd. Ben wanted to know how the grazing was. As they rode they talked.

 

“You still haven’t gotten Sarah to forgive you?” Joe asked.

 

“No.” Cody shook his head. “Looks like she meant what she said.”

 

Their conversation was interrupted by a wild scream and both men immediately knew what it was.

 

“Cat!” Cody yelled.

 

Both men reached for their rifles but before they could locate the mountain lion, Joe was knocked from his horse with the force of it hitting him, the cat having jumped down from the rocks above.

 

The horses panicked, Cochise bolted as Joe fell. Cody fought for control of his horse while trying to point his gun at the mountain lion.

 

The mountain lion, while not quiet full grown, was large and Joe’s strength was no match for it. It tore its claws down Joe’s right shoulder and arm, down his chest and side to his hip.

 

Suddenly a shot rang out, followed by another two in quick succession. The cat slumped, falling onto Joe.

 

Cody immediately dismounted, rushing to his friend’s side. He kept a tight hold on his reins knowing Joe would need a doctor. He didn’t want to risk his horse bolting now.

 

Cody pulled the mountain lion off Joe and knelt at his side. Joe’s eyes were open and he was breathing heavily. His clothes were torn right down his side and Cody ripped the ruined shirt away so he could get a better look at the wounds. He saw that the cat had also scratched Joe’s back as it had knocked him from the horse. Talking to Joe while he worked he grabbed his canteen, gave Joe a drink and then washed out the deep scratches the best that he could. Cody’s own heart raced as he saw the damage that the claws had done, he took off his shirt to use as a bandage and said, “You’ll be okay Joe. I’ll get you home. Cochise bolted, we’ll have to ride double on my horse.”

 

Joe shook his head. “No. Cochise wouldn’t go far.” Cochise was well trained and even as frightened as he’d been, Joe knew his horse wouldn’t go far from him.

 

Struggling to whistle, Joe signaled for his horse. It took another try before he was able to get it loud enough. Cody looked around as he heard the horse approaching.

 

Joe smiled when he saw Cochise and said, “Told ya.”

 

Cody patted Joe’s left arm and said, “You sure did.” Cody slowly got to his feet so as not to startle the horse and approached him, grabbing the reins.

 

Cody helped Joe to mount and they started for home. Cody kept the pace steady, he wanted to get Joe home as fast as he could but he knew Joe couldn’t handle riding too fast at the moment.

 

Coming across Les Thompson, another one of the Ponderosa’s ranch hands, Cody sent him for the doctor. Getting Joe home he helped him upstairs, got him out of his torn and bloodied clothes and into bed. The he went downstairs to get some water and whisky to clean the wounds again and some bandages.

 

After Cody had finished bandaging Joe he said, “That’s the best I can do. The doc should be here soon.”

 

“Thanks Cody,” Joe replied, “You saved my life.”

 

Cody shook his head. “No, I,”

 

“Yes you did,” Joe interrupted him, “I couldn’t have held it off me any longer.”

 

“I’m sorry I didn’t get it sooner Joe.” Hearing the sound of a buggy in the yard, he said, “That’ll be the doc. I’ll go and let him in.”

 

When Cody opened the door he saw Les taking the two horses he and Joe had left in the yard over to the barn to take care of them.

 

After Doctor Martin examined Joe he was concerned about how deep some of the scratches were. “You did a good job Cody. I see you cleaned them out thoroughly.”

 

“I wasn’t able to do much out on the range but when we got back here I cleaned ‘em again. I used water and whisky.”

 

Paul nodded. “Good. The cat’s claws are notorious for infection. We still need to watch for that. Some of these scratches are extremely deep and will need stitching. The worst is his hip. It’s torn some muscle there. Can you go and get me some more water?”

 

“Sure Doc.”

 

As Cody started to leave the room, Paul asked, “Where are the others?”

He knew if Joe’s family knew he was hurt they’d be by his side.

 

“They’re marking some trees for cutting. I should have told Les to go and tell them what’s happened but I didn’t think. I’ll tell him now.”

 

“No,” Joe shook his head, “there’s no need.” He’d had his eyes closed trying to block out the pain while Paul worked but he hadn’t been able to go to sleep.

 

“I think I should,” Cody replied.

 

“I’m fine,” Joe said, “there’s no need to worry them. They’ll be home soon anyway.”

 

Cody nodded. “Okay, if you’re sure. I’ll just go and get that water then.”

 

“Where’s Hop Sing?” Paul asked Joe.

 

“San Francisco. He left a few days ago.”

 

Paul patted Joe’s arm. “Oh well, I’ll have to leave your Pa in charge of the nursing then,” he joked.

 

Joe grinned wryly. “Anything but that,” he said, knowing his father would want him to say in bed long after Joe himself felt that he needed to.

 

Taking a bottle out of his bag and shaking it, Paul measured out a teaspoon of it, holding it in front of his patient he said, “This will take the edge of the pain Joe.” Paul could see the young man was in a lot of pain although he was doing his best to hide that fact. After he’d taken it Paul said, “Just lie there and try to relax, it won’t take long to start working and then I’ll get those stitches in.”

 

**********

 

“All done Joe,” Paul said as he finished bandaging Joe.

 

“Thanks doc,” Joe replied.

 

“You’ve got a lot of stitches in you Joe,” he eyed the young man, “so you remember what I said alright. No getting up.”

 

There was a knock on the front door and Cody went to answer it. Opening the door he saw an anxious man standing there covered in dirt. The man spoke quickly. “I’ve been sent out to get Doc Martin. There’s been an accident at the mine. Four men are injured.”

 

Cody nodded and said, “Wait here. I’ll tell him.” He went upstairs and saw that Joe was asleep. “Doc,” he said quietly, “there’s a man downstairs, says you’re needed in town. Four men have been injured in a mine accident.”

 

Doctor Martin immediately started to pack up his equipment. “I’d planned to stay here for a while,” he said, “Joe’s temperature’s up a little and I’m worried about infection. Watch him for that. He shouldn’t give you too much trouble. He’ll probably just sleep. I’ll leave this with you,” he handed Cody a bottle, “Give him some more of this in about half an hour. He’ll need it for the pain. I’ve already given him half of the first dose so just give him a teaspoon full and follow the instructions on the bottle after that.”

 

“Doctor Martin, I…” Cody started but Paul cut him off.

 

“Tell Ben I’ll be out again as soon as I can,” he said as he closed his bag, “Joe should be fine. Infection is the only worry and hopefully it won’t set in.” He walked out of the room and went downstairs. Cody followed him.

 

“But Doctor Martin…..” Cody started again.

 

“They sent me out for ya Doc,” the man who was waiting downstairs interrupted.

 

Paul nodded. “Cody told me,” he said as he started to leave.

 

Cody grabbed his arm and said, “Doc I can’t,” he stopped as both men looked at him waiting for him to continue.

 

When Cody remained silent, Paul asked, “Can’t what Cody? I’m in a hurry.”

 

“Nothing,” Cody mumbled, “It doesn’t matter.”

 

Paul nodded and repeated, “Tell Ben I’ll be out again as soon as I can.”

 

**********

 

Half an hour later Cody gave Joe another teaspoon of the liquid as he’d been told to by Paul.

 

An hour later Joe seemed to be sleeping soundly and Cody wasn’t sure if he should wake him to give him another dose or not but he didn’t want to do the wrong thing and if Doctor Martin said Joe needed it, Cody knew he really had no choice so he woke Joe and gave it to him.

 

Cody repeated the same process for the second hour. Joe was so sleepy though that Cody had trouble waking him to take it and then Joe went straight back to sleep. It was just then with great relief that Cody heard horses enter the yard. He looked out the window and saw Joe’s family. He saw Les come out of the barn and talk to them and then all three Cartwright’s hurried towards the house.

 

Within moments they entered Joe’s room. Ben immediately went over to the bed. Pushing back his youngest sons hair he felt for a fever, relieved that he wasn’t too hot.

 

Ben looked over at Cody and asked, “What happened? Why didn’t you send for me?”

 

“It was a mountain lion. We were heading up to look at that grazing. We were just going past that big outcropping of rocks near the south section when the cat jumped on Joe. It happened so fast.”

 

“What did Paul say?”

 

“He said Joe should be all right but to watch him for infection, he’s worried about that. He’s a bit hot.” Ben nodded. He’d already felt that himself. Cody continued, “Doc Martin said that the claws damaged some muscles in his hip. He wanted to stay to keep an eye on Joe but someone came for him, there was an accident at the mine. He said to tell you that he’ll come out again as soon as he can.”

 

Ben nodded. “Why didn’t you send Les for us?” he asked angrily, “Les said he didn’t know where we were but you did.”

 

“I was going to. I know I should have but Joe told me not to, he didn’t want to worry you,” Cody said hastily.

 

Ben felt a little sorry for the ranch hand. He could see how worried he was that he might have done the wrong thing. He said, “It’s okay Cody. I know what this young man can be like.” Looking down at his son he knew he shouldn’t wake him but he needed to reassure himself that Joe really would be all right.

 

Ben gently stroked his son’s arm and said, “Joseph.” When he got no response he tried again. After a third and forth attempt also failed, Ben started to worry and gently shook Joe, still he got no response.

 

“What’s wrong with him?” Adam asked, starting to worry himself.

 

Ben shook his head and said, “Paul probably gave him something to help him sleep but even so, he should be more responsive than this.”

 

Adam turned to Cody. “What did Paul give him?” he asked.

 

Cody picked up the bottle from the dresser and handed it to Adam. “He gave him a teaspoon full of this while he was here and just before he left he told me to give him another one in half an hour and then to follow the instructions on the bottle.”

 

Adam read the label and said, “Les said Paul left about three hours ago,” Cody nodded and Adam continued, “so Joe’s only had the one full dose of this, one tablespoon?”

 

“No,” Cody said, “I gave him the teaspoon full like Doctor Martin said and then two more full doses since then. One every hour.”

“What!” Adam yelled, “He’s had three tablespoons of this stuff,” he shook the bottle angrily, “in three hours!”

 

“Yes,” Cody was beginning to get a very bad feeling, “Why? What’s wrong?”

 

“You’ve given him far too much that’s what’s wrong. Can’t you read! How could you do something so stupid!”

 

Ben looked at the bottle, it was an unfamiliar one to him but Paul was always up to date on new treatments and medicines. Ben knew it must be one Paul had recently received. “How much is he supposed to have?” he asked worriedly.

 

“No more than a tablespoon every four hours,” Adam replied grimly.

 

Hoss who had been standing beside Joe’s bed trying to help their father wake him said, “I’ll let Doc know we need him.” Ben knew Paul might not be able to come immediately but he did need to know that he was wanted urgently. Ben nodded as Hoss left.

 

Ben glared at Cody, trying to keep his temper from exploding, he snapped. “Why did you give him that much?”

 

“I thought that’s what it said,” Cody replied quietly.

 

“You thought that’s what it said!” Adam yelled, he felt like hurling the bottle at Cody’s head but managed to control himself knowing this was not helping his brother. He took a deep breath trying to calm down and asked, “When did you give him the last dose?”

 

“Just a few minutes before you arrived.”

 

Throwing back the sheet, Ben saw that Joe was only wearing long John bottoms. He had bandages from his right shoulder down to his hip and Ben knew pulling him around would hurt and probably pull open the stitches.

 

“What do we do Pa?” Adam asked.

 

“We have to wake him up. I don’t want to try and get him out of bed though. I don’t want his wounds breaking open. Let’s just sit him up.”

 

Pulling his son into a sitting position, Ben shook him while trying to be careful not to jar him too much. He shook and yelled at him until he was finally rewarded with Joe’s eyes opening. Ben shook him again and said, “Stay awake Joseph. You have to stay awake for me. Do you hear me!”

 

Joe nodded his head. He didn’t understand why Pa wanted him to stay wake but he’d try.

 

“Pa,” Adam said, “I’ll go downstairs and mix up some of that stuff Hop Sing said to use if someone was ever poisoned and we needed to get it out.”

 

“Can you remember what he said to use?” Ben asked.

 

“Yeah, I think so. We have to try something.”

 

Ben nodded his agreement.

 

Adam was back within five minutes with a jug of liquid and a glass. Adam watched as Joe closed his eyes and their father once again shook him awake.

 

Cody was standing by the window watching. He felt absolutely terrible and he didn’t know what to say, there was nothing he could say to fix what he’d done. He continued to watch as Adam sat on the other side of the bed to Ben and handed a glass of the liquid to his father.

 

Holding the glass to Joe’s lips Ben forced him to drink it and then another straight after the first.

 

“Pa,” Joe said weakly as he tried to sit up straighter. Ben immediately reached to pull him up while Adam held a bowl in front of him. Joe shuddered as he threw up.

 

When Joe stopped retching, as much as he hated doing it, Ben forced his youngest son to drink another glassful, with the same result after it.

 

Cody couldn’t stand to watch anymore, he ran out of the room and over to the bunkhouse. Ben and Adam had completely forgotten about him and didn’t even notice him leave.

 

Joe was so miserable he felt like crying. His wounds were already sore and now his stomach hurt from the cramps he’d just experienced.

 

Adam took the bowl out of the room and quickly returned to help clean Joe up. Ben and Adam were alarmed that there was some blood on the bandages on Joe’s back obviously some of the stitches had burst from the strain of vomiting. They checked to see how bad it was and Ben was relieved that it wasn’t bleeding a lot. They put some more bandages on hoping that would stop the bleeding.

 

Although Joe was still sleepy, Ben was relieved that he did seem to be more alert.

 

“My backs sore and I’m tired,” Joe said quietly.

 

Ben pulled his son to him so Joe could lean against him. He said, “I’m sorry son but you can’t go to sleep just yet.” He felt Joe nod his head and he gently rubbed the back of it.

 

“What’s wrong with me,” Joe asked, worried that there was something seriously wrong.

 

Adam was quick to allay those fears. Sitting on the bed so he could see Joe’s face he said, “It’s okay buddy. Cody gave you too much of the painkiller that Paul left for you. We had to get it out.”

 

Speaking to his father, Adam said, “It’s in his bloodstream. It’ll just have to work it’s way out, I guess.”

 

Ben nodded. “I think his temperature’s up too.”

 

Adam placed his hand on his young brothers forehead. “You’re right,” he agreed. He watched as Joe started to close his eyes and said, “Pa, he’s going to sleep.”

 

In the position Ben was holding Joe, he was unable to see his sons face. He gently shook him. “Wake up Joe.”

 

“I’m wake,” Joe mumbled.

 

“Good boy,” Ben replied, “Do you want to lie down?” He was worried that Joe might be uncomfortable but Joe shook his head.

 

They continued to sit like that with Adam telling his father whenever Joe closed his eyes. Ben would then make him wake up.

 

That was the way Hoss found them when he arrived home.

 

Hoss ran up the stairs as fast as he could and practically charged into the room asking, “How is he?”

 

Ben rubbed Joe’s back and said, “He’s doing fine.”

 

Hoss thrust a bottle out. “Doc gave me this, said it would make Joe throw up.”

 

“No more Pa. Please,” Joe mumbled.

 

“No son, no more. It’s okay.” He once again rubbed Joe’s back. Glancing at Hoss as he said, “We’ve already made him do that Hoss. Adam mixed up some stuff of Hop Sing’s.”

 

“That’s good,” Hoss said, “Doc said we needed to get it out of him as quick as we could. He said after that we should try and keep him awake for a few hours and then when he goes to sleep, wake him after an hour just to make sure he wakes up all right. After that just let him sleep.”

 

Adam moved to allow Hoss to sit with Joe for a while.

 

“Hey Hoss,” Joe said quietly when he saw his brother.

 

“How ya feelin’?” Hoss asked.

 

“Kay, ‘cept Pa’s lettin’ me use him for a pillow but he won’t let me sleep,” Joe was aware enough to try and joke and it gave some relief to his worried family.

 

“I tell you what Joe,” Ben said, “You stay awake for a little while longer and after tomorrow for the next month you can sleep as long as you want. All day if you like.”

 

“I’m gonna hold you too that,” Joe said.

 

There was silence for a couple of minutes and then Ben said, “You’re not going to sleep on me are you Joe, a deals a deal.”

 

“Sorry. Can’t help it, Pa. So tired.”

 

“I know,” Ben said sympathetically, “Talk to me.”

 

“About what?”

 

“Anything. Tell me about the mountain lion, Joe. How did that happen? Do you remember?”

 

Bens back and arms were starting to ache from supporting Joe so after checking with him that he felt okay to lie down, Ben made him as comfortable as he could and then held his hand while Joe told them about the attack by the cat and how Cody had killed it.

 

Adam looked around, “Where is Cody? I completely forgot about him.”

 

“Strange,” Ben said, “he must have gone back to the bunkhouse. I guess he felt like he was intruding. He must feel guilty about what he did.”

 

“So he should, I don’t know how he could have been so careless.”

 

Joe’s temperature increased, the sweat glistened on his body and he was continually wiped over with a cool cloth. The family continued to make Joe talk to them about any subject they could think of.

 

Because Joe felt so sick and tired his emotions were running high and he said things he wouldn’t have said if he’d been thinking clearly.

 

“Adam,” Joe said sleepily.

 

“I’m here,” Adam leant forward from the chair he was sitting in so Joe could see him.

 

“You wouldn’t make me leave would you, Adam?” Joe asked, clearly upset.

 

Adam looked at Ben who shrugged.

 

“What do you mean Joe? Where would I make you leave?”

 

“Here.”

 

“Joe, I’m sorry but I don’t know what you mean.”

 

“He’s so tired I don’t think he knows what he’s saying,” Ben said.

 

“He’s upset about something,” turning back to Joe, Adam said, “Try and tell me what you mean Joe. Why do you think I’d make you leave here?”

 

“The oldest son always gets the ranch and then you’d make me leave.”

 

“What’s made you think something like that,” Adam asked, distressed that Joe had been thinking that.

 

Joe haltingly told his family the story Cody had told him about Cody’s brother getting the family ranch and Cody having to leave. They were as shocked as Joe had been when he had heard it.

 

Ben realized the connection Joe was making and gently stroked the hair back from his sons forehead as he said, “ You don’t think that do you Joe, that the ranch will be Adam’s? Why would you think that I wouldn’t leave you an equal share?”

 

Joe turned his head away and mumbled, “I don’t think that. Not really.”

 

Ben turned Joe’s face back towards him so he could look in his eyes and asked, “Why?”

 

Joe’s eyes flicked to Adam and then back to his father and he said, “Adam’s older. He’s done more to help you than I have and when he was away at college Hoss helped you.”

 

Ben looked into Joe’s eyes and said, “And you help me now. It’s not your fault you were born to be my youngest son. You’ve helped me out in so many ways. Times that you are not even aware of. When you were little and I’d had a bad day and I was wondering if all the hard work was worth it, I only had to come home and look at you to know it was. That still holds true now. From the day you were born this ranch was meant for the three of you.”

 

Adam was watching Joe carefully and now he leant even closer and said, “I hope I haven’t made you feel that you don’t deserve to have an equal share because I have honestly never thought that for one moment.”

 

Hoss, always soft hearted but especially so when it came to his little brother knelt down on the floor beside Joe and said, “You stop that fretting now Joseph, do you hear me. Aint no one ever gonna ta make you leave here. Not ever,” he said soothingly.

 

Ben squeezed Joe’s hand and said, “That’s right son. This is your home Joe, for as long as you want it to be. Always.”

 

Ben was pleased to see a slight smile make an appearance on Joe’s lips. Happy with the talk he’d just had with his family, his eyes started to close in sleep.

 

“Keep talking,” Ben encouraged.

 

Hoss turned away and said, “He’s so tired. I feel like we’re being cruel making him stay awake.”

 

“I know,” Ben said, “but we’re doing what we have to.” Turning back to Joe he encouraged, “Come on Joe. There must be lots of things you can talk about.”

 

“Cochise,” Joe mumbled.

 

“I might have known you’d pick that subject,” Ben said as he smiled. “Alright then, tell me about Cochise.”

 

“I didn’t put him away.”

 

“He’s been taken care of Joe. Don’t worry about him.”

 

Joe’s family continued to encourage him to talk to them, sometimes having to strain to listen to what he what he was saying as his voice faltered. They gave him drinks of water regularly and kept him awake longer than Paul had told them to because they were afraid to let him go to sleep. Finally at midnight Ben knew Joe just couldn’t stay awake any longer and he said, “You go to sleep now Joseph.” That was all it took for Joe to close his eyes in sleep.

 

“We’ll wake him at one,” Ben said nervously. The family spent an anxious hour watching Joe sleep. At one, Ben woke his youngest son, gave him a drink and then let him go back to sleep. Ben was then finally able to convince his two eldest sons to go and get some sleep themselves after promising to wake Adam in a couple of hours to relieve him.

 

Adam woke about four that morning and went straight to his youngest brothers room. He noticed immediately that Joe looked terrible. He was awake and clenching his fathers hand tightly in his.

 

“Pa?” Adam asked questioningly.

 

“His temperature’s down but he’s in a lot of pain and I’m afraid to give him anything until Paul’s seen him.”

 

Hoss walked into the room to join his family and said, “He can’t go on like this Pa.”

 

“I’m all right,” Joe said, panting as he tried to overcome the pain, “Sorry to be so much trouble.”

 

“You’re no trouble,” Ben said soothingly.

 

“Well no more than usual,” Adam couldn’t resist joking.

 

Joe glared at him for a moment and then they all saw a faint grin, which was what Adam had been hoping for.

 

“Why don’t you go and get some sleep Pa,” Adam said, “We’ll sit with Joe.”

 

Ben replied exactly the way Adam had known he would. “No. I’m fine.”

 

It was four hours later when Paul Martin finally made it to the ranch. Ben explained to him what they’d done for Joe.

 

“You did exactly the right things Ben,” Paul said as he examined Joe. “He’s pulled a couple of stitches but that’s not too bad, I’ll re do those. Looking at Joe’s face, Paul noted how strained he was. “First things first though. I’ll give Joe something for the pain. It’ll make him feel a lot better.”

 

“He’s been like this for hours,” Ben said, “I didn’t know if I should give him something or not.”

 

“You were wise to wait but he’ll be fine now,” Paul said as he measured out the liquid and gave it to Joe. After a few minutes Joe’s breathing became easier and he started to relax.

 

Paul redid the pulled stitches and replaced the bandages, then he said, “He’ll be fine Ben.”

 

“Are you sure?” Ben asked

 

Paul nodded. “Some of the wounds are extremely deep. The muscles been torn in his hip and that is going to be very painful while it heals, but it will heal. As for the over use of the painkiller, he’ll have no side effects from that. Thank goodness you got back here when you did though and you did exactly the right things. Getting what he still had in his stomach out as quickly as you did saved his life.”

 

“We came home early,” Ben shuddered, “I hate to think what could have happened,” he said as he watched his youngest son sleep.

 

“I’m sorry Ben. I blame myself for this. I should have made sure Cody understood the instructions on the bottle,” Paul said.

 

“They were plain enough,” Adam said, “he should have been able to understand them.”

 

“It doesn’t matter now, as long as Joe’s all right. I can’t stop thinking though about how close we came to….” Ben trailed off, unable to go on.

 

Paul patted his old friend on the shoulder and said, “As you say Ben, it’s over now. No need to worry about what might have happened.”

 

Ben nodded. “Thank you for coming out Paul. I’m sorry we had to drag you out again. You can’t have gotten any sleep last night.”

 

Paul looked at Ben critically and said, “It doesn’t look like you got any either. I’m going home to have a sleep now and I want you to do the same.”

 

“We’ll see he does Doc,” Hoss said.

 

“Good,” Paul replied, “Joe won’t feel much like eating for a while but try and get something into him later.” He picked up the bottle from the dresser. “Don’t be afraid to use this. He’s in a lot of pain and he’ll need it. You know the correct dosage. Just give him that and he’ll be fine, I promise. Give him a tablespoon of it in four hours.”

 

Ben accepted the bottle from Paul and said, “If you’re sure.”

 

“I am,” Paul replied, “I’ll see myself out,” he said as he picked up his bag and left the room.

 

“Pa,” Adam said, “I’ll sit with Joe. You get some sleep,” he saw his father was about to protest and continued, “Come on Pa, you’re almost asleep on your feet. If Joe wakes I’ll come and get you.”

 

Joe let out a slight groan as he moved and Ben brushed his fingers through his youngest sons hair and said, “He’s still in pain even with that medication.”

 

There was a knock on the front door and Hoss said, “I’ll get it.”

 

“Cody,” Hoss said as he opened the door, “Come in.”

 

“I saw Doc Martin when he came out of the house and he told me that Joe is gonna be okay.”

 

Hoss nodded. “Yeah, he had us real worried for a while.”

 

“I’m so sorry, Hoss,” Cody blurted out, “I don’t know how I could have done something so stupid. Can you tell Joe how sorry I am.”

 

“You can tell him yourself later. He’s asleep right now but I bet by this afternoon he’ll be looking forward to visitors.”

 

Cody shook his head. “I won’t be here. I can’t stay. I just came to tell you how sorry I am.”

 

“Look Cody,” Hoss said, “we were angry last night, that’s true enough but we know it was an accident. No one wants you to leave.”

 

Cody just shook his head again, unwilling to forgive himself.

 

“Wait there,” Hoss said as he went upstairs.

 

A few minutes later, Ben and Adam came downstairs while Hoss stayed with Joe.

 

“Hoss tells us you want to leave,” Ben said.

 

“I can’t face Joe. Not after what I did.”

 

“I know Joseph better than anyone,” Ben said, “so you can believe me when I tell you, Joe won’t blame you. He’ll tell you the same thing I’m telling you now. It was an accident. Last night, Joe told us about the mountain lion. He said that if it hadn’t been for you, he’d have died then. It sounds like you did some good shooting.”

 

“Thank you sir,” Cody said, uncomfortable with the praise, “but it still doesn’t change what I did later.”

 

“Listen Cody,” Adam said, “I’m sorry about what I said. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that.”

 

“You were right,” Cody said.”

 

“No,” Adam said, “I,”

 

“You were right when you said, ‘can’t you read,’” Cody cut in.

 

Ben and Adam just looked at him for a moment as Cody hung his head.

 

“Why on earth didn’t you say something sooner. You’ve been working here for four months and we had no idea,” Ben said.

 

“I was ashamed. I didn’t want anyone to know. I never thought that my being stupid would almost kill Joe. I tried to ask Doctor Martin about how much I should give Joe but he was in a hurry and I couldn’t seem to get the words out. You don’t know how much I regret not going out and asking Les what it said on the label but I thought he would laugh at me and I honestly thought I was giving Joe what he was supposed to have.”

 

“Don’t be so hard on yourself Cody,” Ben said, “and I have to correct you about something. Just because you can’t read that doesn’t make you stupid.”

 

“Pa’s right Cody. Have you ever tried to learn? Did you go to school?”

 

Cody shook his head and said, “No. Pa didn’t hold with schoolin’ he said it was a waste of time when we could be out working.”

 

Adam found himself suddenly very thankful that he’d had the good fortune to have been raised by a man who understood how important it was for his children to get an education. He felt very sorry for Cody and guilty for the things he’d said.

 

“Cody,” Adam said, “I can teach you to read and write.”

 

Cody shook his head. “No. I’d never be able to learn. It would be too hard.”

 

“You only think that because you haven’t tried. You’d be amazed how easy it is once you start learning.” Adam could see it was something Cody wanted to do but he was afraid of making a fool of himself. “Just give it a go. None of the other hands even need to know. Just us.”

 

“Can I think about it?” Cody asked.

 

“Certainly,” Ben said, “you just let Adam know if you want him to teach you.”

 

Cody faced Ben and said, “Thank you both so much. I would have understood if you wanted nothing more to do with me. I should never have given Joe that painkiller without knowing for sure how much he was supposed to have.”

 

“I know you didn’t deliberately do it Cody and now you know how dangerous it is to do something like that. You’ve obviously become very good at hiding the fact that you can’t read,” Ben said, he and Adam both thinking about the little incidents in the past that had happened because Cody couldn’t read, it became clear to them now why he hadn’t shown up at places he was supposed to when left a note.

 

“I guess I have,” Cody admitted, “that’s why I’ve worked on so many different ranches. If I thought I’d given myself away, I’d leave. But I really like working here for you. If you’ll let me, I’d like to stay.”

 

“I have one stipulation to you continuing to work here,” Ben said, as Cody waited for Ben to go on he looked down at the floor, “that if you can’t read something, you ask. I won’t allow you to put your life or the life of someone else at risk because of pride. Your pride almost cost Joe his life.” Cody nodded guiltily as Ben continued, “You know, there are other men who work for us that can’t read. There’s no shame in it and there’s no shame in asking for help. Remember that.”

 

Cody looked up and nodded. “Yes sir.”

 

“Good, that’s settled then. Now I don’t know about you two but I’m going to get some sleep,” Ben said.

 

**********

 

By the beginning of the second week, Joe was feeling much better. Ben quietly opened the door to Joe’s room expecting him to be still sleeping only to see him up and getting dressed.

 

“What are you doing up?” Ben asked.

 

“You heard Doc yesterday when he came out to see me. He said if I felt like it, I could get up.”

 

“Mmm, I know,” Ben agreed, “but we had a deal, remember? I said you could sleep as long as you wanted to for a month.”

 

Joe smiled. “I think you tricked me Pa. You just wanted to get me to stay in bed.”

 

Ben laughed. “You found me out,” as Joe grinned back at him, he continued, “Come on then. I’ll help you finish getting dressed and we’ll go downstairs. I guess that now you’ve discovered my little double cross I won’t be able to get you to go back to bed today.”

 

Joe shook his head. “No Chance.” And father and son burst into laughter.

 

Adam and Hoss looked up from their breakfast and saw Joe coming down the stairs supported by their father.

 

“Hey Joe,” Hoss called, “Good to see you up.”

 

“Sure is,” Adam added when Joe sat down. “We might be able to stop doing your chores now,” he said jokingly. He knew Joe was no where near ready to go back to work yet.

 

**********

 

That night after their evening meal the Cartwright family sat talking. There was a knock on the door and all eyes automatically turned to Joe. He put a hand on his side and said dramatically, “I don’t feel up to it.”

 

Hoss and Adam both frowned at him and then started laughing as they shook their heads. Hoss got up to open the door while saying to Joe, “You better enjoy it while it lasts little brother.”

 

“Hey Cody,” he said, greeting the young man who stood there. “Come in.”

 

Cody had become a regular visitor to the house in the last week, often coming to visit Joe of an evening after work.

 

“Thanks Hoss,” he said as he walked over and sat next to Joe on the settee.

 

“Hello Cody,” Joe said, “How was your day.”

 

“Good. I didn’t know you were coming downstairs today. Be good to have you back at work.”

 

Before Joe could reply, Ben said, “He won’t be back at work for a while.”

 

Joe grinned at Cody. “That’s if Pa has his way. If I have mine, I will be.”

 

“Scamp,” Ben said laughingly.

 

“So Cody,” Adam said, “have you thought anymore about whether you want me to teach you to read and write?” Adam noticed the look that passed between Joe and Cody and said, “What are you two up too?”

 

Cody stood up and pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket, walking over to Adam he handed it to him and said, “Joe’s been teaching me.”

 

“Has he?” Adam asked surprised. He opened the paper and saw that Cody had written his name and a few other words. “So that’s what you two have been doing of an evening. Cody this is excellent. If you’ve done this much in just a few days it won’t be long until you are able to read and write everything you want to.”

 

“I know,” Cody grinned happily, “and I owe it to all of you. If it hadn’t been for you, I’d still be pretending.”

 

“They’ll be no stopping you now that you’ve started learning,” Ben said.

 

Cody nodded. “I have to agree with that sir,” then he stood up, “Well, I’ll be going. I just called in to say hello.”

 

“You don’t have to go,” Joe said.

 

Cody smiled. “I’ve got to practice writing anyway. I have a teacher who’s pretty strict about that.” He laughed and Joe joined in.

 

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Joe said.

 

The Cartwright’s all said goodnight to Cody as he left and then Adam turned to Joe. “You’ve really accomplished a lot with Cody.”

 

“Thanks. I know I’m probably not teaching him as well as you could though. Maybe you should take over.”

 

“No,” Adam said immediately, “You’re doing a great job. If you need any help, I’ll be glad to give you a hand but I really do think your doing just fine. I’m very proud of you Joe.”

 

“It’s nothing,” Joe replied.

 

Ben got up, walking over to sit next to his youngest son, he patted his leg and said, “It’s not nothing. You’re teaching Cody, while not making him feel ashamed to be learning at his age. I’m very proud of you too son.”

 

**********

 

A few days later, after much persuasion Ben allowed Joe to go to the horse breaking corral with Adam in the buckboard with the stipulation that Joe only watch.

 

Joe learnt on the fence cheering and yelling encouragement. Adam was helping one of the men to mount up when he noticed Joe walking away from the fence. Leaving the men to their work, Adam walked over to join his brother and asked, “Are you alright?”

 

Joe rubbed his hip and said, “Yeah. I’m just getting a bit sore. I need to sit down.”

 

“Do you want to go home?” Adam asked and Joe shook his head.

 

“Come on.” Adam put his hand on Joe’s back and steered him over to some trees where they sat down.

 

Joe let out a sigh of relief as he lay back on the ground and stretched his legs out.

 

About an hour later Joe woke. Sitting up, he yawned and saw Adam.

 

“Have a good sleep?” Adam asked.

 

“I didn’t mean to fall asleep. I just thought I’d close my eyes for a minute. You should have woken me up. I didn’t mean to take you away from work.”

 

Adam nodded over to the corral. “You didn’t. They’re fine. They know what to do. Stay there,” he said as he got up, he was back in a couple of minutes with a canteen and a bag. “Here,” he handed the canteen to his younger brother. Opening the bag, he took out a sandwich and handed that to him as well. “Lunch,” he said.

 

Joe noticed the men had all stopped work and were sitting on the other side of the fence eating lunch as well. “Thanks,” he said as he started to eat.

 

“How’s your hip? Still aching?”

 

“No. It’s a lot better,” Joe said as he flexed his leg out.

 

“You let me know if you want to go home,” Adam was concerned that Joe was still in pain, then he joked, “Pa would have my hide if I didn’t look after you.”

 

Adam noticed that Joe stopped eating and looked away from him. Reaching out his hand he placed it on Joe’s leg and asked, “What’s wrong? More pain?”

 

“No, it’s nothing.”

 

“I have eyes Joe. I can see it’s not nothing. What is it?”

 

Joe took a deep breath. “Cody said his older brother hated him because when their mother died he had to look after Cody.”

 

Adam nodded slowly, realizing what Joe was thinking, he said, “Joe, do you remember much about the night we had to keep you awake?”

 

“Most of it, I think. Why?”

 

“So you remember when we talked about this ranch? How we’d all get equal shares?”

 

“Yes,” Joe said, wondering where this conversation was leading. “Pa talked to me about it the next day too. He said he didn’t know if I’d remember what we’d talked about and he wanted to be sure I understood.”

 

Adam nodded. “I thought he would. You know now, that’s different to the way things were in Cody’s family, right?” When Joe nodded, Adam continued, “Well, it’s the same with us. All families are different. Some brothers don’t get on and some do.”

 

“So you never hated looking after me?”

 

“I’d be lying if I said there weren’t times that I did.” Noticing Joe’s downcast eyes, Adam reached over and patted his leg, saying, “Joe are you telling me that you never, not even once, hated having older brothers bossing you around?”

 

Joe smiled and said, “Yeah of course sometimes I did, but …”

 

“It’s the same thing Joe,” Adam cut in, “Sometimes I hated having to look after you but I never hated you. I’ve had so many good times with you and Hoss. I wouldn’t change them for anything.”

 

“Me either,” Joe smiled and Adam saw the relief on his face but he could see his young brother was still troubled about something.

 

“Are you still worried about something? You might as well tell me so we can clear it up now.”

 

“I just feel sorry for Cody. It doesn’t seem fair that I got such a great family compared to what he got.”

 

“I know. But life’s not always fair Joe. We don’t get to choose our family.”

 

“I was going to ask Pa about something but didn’t know what he’d say.”

 

“What did you want to ask him?”

 

“Well,” Joe hesitated.

 

“Out with it,” Adam prodded.

 

“I thought maybe Pa could give him a small piece of land. Just so he could have his own place like his brother.” Joe rushed on, “I know it’s a lot to just give someone but…”

 

Adam held up his hand. “Whoa. Slow down. I agree with you.”

 

“You do? Really?”

 

“Yes, I do. I think that would be a really nice thing to do. I think Pa would too. You should talk to him about it.”

 

“Thanks Adam. I will.”

 

**********

 

After they got home, Joe sought his father out and after telling him what he wanted to do, he waited for his fathers answer.

 

“I think that’s a great idea son. I should have thought of it myself. Dave Richards has his place up for sale. It’s only small, be a good start for Cody. How about that?”

 

“Yes, that would be perfect,” Joe said excitedly.

 

“I’ll talk to Dave tomorrow. We won’t say anything to Cody just yet. We better make sure we actually have the place first.”

 

Joe agreed and the two of them talked about their plans.

 

**********

 

Four days later the Cartwright family asked Cody to take a ride with them, telling him that they wanted to show him something.

 

When they rode up to the small ranch house, Joe turned to Cody and said, “What do you think?”

 

“It’s a nice place. Are you thinking of buying it? I know it’s up for sale,” Cody replied.

 

“It’s not for sale any longer,” Ben said, “I closed the deal on it yesterday. It’s yours now.”

 

Cody just looked at them uncomprehendingly and then he asked, “You want me to look after it for you?”

 

Ben laughed and shook his head. “No, like I said, it’s yours. I bought it for you. It’s in your name.” He handed Cody some papers.

 

“I can’t accept it. It’s too much? Why would you give it to me?”

 

“It was Joe’s idea,” Ben said.

 

Cody turned to Joe and Joe said, “My family do nice stuff for me all the time. I guess I just come to expect it and I don’t always appreciate having them as much as I should. I just wanted to do something nice for you so you could experience it too.”

 

Joe’s family were all a little emotional at the words Joe had said. Hoss cleared his throat and dismounted. “Well what are we waiting for? Lets have a look around.”

 

As the others also dismounted Cody said, “I don’t know what to say. Thank you isn’t near enough.”

 

“It’s plenty,” Ben said as he shook Cody’s hand.

 

“Thank you Joe, for everything,” Cody said as the young men shook hands. “If you keep teaching me to read, I’ll be able to read what it says one day.” He held up the paper that Ben had given him. They all laughed and Joe nodded, knowing he planned on continuing the lessons. “And thank you for showing me what it’s like to be part of a real family. Thank you for sharing that with me.”

 

“You’re more than welcome, Cody,” Joe replied.

 

As the others started to walk away to look around, Joe put his hand on his father’s arm and said, “Cody once said that I was lucky to have you as a father and I know I am.”

 

Ben pulled Joe into his arms and as he hugged him, he said, “And I’m lucky to have you.”

 

The End

July 2003

Next story in The High Cost of Pride Series

The Seeds of Hate