Little Joe is Sick. What could be wrong with him?

by Judy

Marie finished putting the pins in her hair and looked at herself for a minute in the mirror.  Grinning, she loosened some of the shorter, curly hairs at the nape of her neck and forehead; the way Ben liked them.  Satisfied that she looked presentable, she got up from her dresser and left the large master bedroom she shared with her husband.  She was surprised that Little Joe had not gotten up from his nap already. 

She went to his room and softly opened the door to peek in.  She had to stifle her laughter when she saw him.  He had turned around in the bed and his feet were where his pillow should be, the pillow was on the floor, along with the coverlet.  He was sleeping with a tight grip on the sheets, as if he had been engaged in a battle with them.  Marie went over and without disturbing him too much, gently covered him with the comforter since it was quite chilly in the room.  As she pulled the comforter over him, he turned over and in his sleep stuck his thumb in his mouth and settled deeper into the bed.  Marie watched him for a few minutes, taking in the curly hair, so much like her own, the long dark eyelashes, and the dark complexion.  Softly she said, "you are going to be such a heart-breaker, son." 

Marie was still standing there when she heard two horses approach the house.  She crossed over to the window and saw that it was Adam and Hoss coming home from school.  She was surprised to see them since they were home two hours early.  She took one quick look to see if Little Joe was still sleeping, and then swiftly crossed the room and exited, closing the door softly behind her.  As she went down the stairs she was hoping that the boys didn't get into trouble at school again.  Ben had been so upset the last time that Adam had gotten into trouble at school, although it was just a minor schoolyard scuffle.  She often thought her husband put too much pressure on Adam to be an adult when he was really only still a boy.  Yet, Adam did seem to be mature for his age.  Quite unlike the way he had acted when she first met him, she thought. Just as she reached the front door, it swung open, hitting the sideboard with the force.    

Hoss, first in the door, looked up and smiled at her, his blue eyes sparkling, "Hey, Mama.  We got out of school early today!"   

"I see you did, Hoss." Marie returned his smile and gave him a hug.   

Sixteen-year old Adam came in then and said, "We aren't in trouble, Mama." 

Marie laughed, her eyes twinkling brightly.  "Now whatever made you think I would suspect you were in trouble, Adam?" She put her arm around his neck and drew him closer as she said this.  

"Well you might not, but Pa sure would've" Adam said, then the two of them looked at each other and laughed, each knowing that was true.  

"Well for the record, just why did you get home two hours early?"   

"Well the Sheriff came over and told Miss Barnes that it might snow tonight and some of the roads might get bad, so they let us out." 

"Well, I think we need some hot chocolate and I do believe Hop Tseng was baking sugar cookies earlier today, Hoss."  

Hoss' eyes lit up, "Did he put cinnamon and sugar on some of 'em, ya think?"  

Marie laughed and said, "I just bet he did, Hoss."   

Just as they turned to head toward the kitchen, Hop Tseng came out, bearing a tray with 3 mugs of steaming hot chocolate and a plate of sugar cookies, some with cinnamon and some without cinnamon.   

"Adam, since Little Joe is still asleep, how about if you build us a fire, and the three of us will sit here and talk for a while?"   

Adam quickly lit the fire that was already laid out, and the three of them settled down on the big sofa in front of the fireplace, Marie in the middle with Adam and Hoss on either side.  Just as they were beginning to get comfortable Hoss had a coughing spell.   

"Hoss!  Are you all right?  Did you get choked on your hot chocolate or are you ill?" she looked at him worriedly, this time noticing that his cheeks were flushed and probably not just from the wind, as he had initially thought.  She quickly put her hand on his forehead.  "Hoss, you have a fever.  How do you feel?"  

"I'm all right, Mama.  Just got a little sore throat's all." Hoss said, taking another drink of his hot chocolate.  After swallowing the hot chocolate, he had another coughing spell, convincing Marie that he was sick.  

"Hoss, you must have a cold coming on.  You go upstairs and get right into bed.  I'll have Hop Tseng make you some hot tea and lemon and I'll bring it up to you." 

"Can I take the sugar cookies with me?" Hoss asked a worried expression on his face.  

Marie laughed, "Of course you may, Hoss.  Just don't get cookie crumbs in bed." 

Hoss grabbed the plate of cookies and went upstairs to his room before she changed her mind.  She didn't usually allow them to eat cookies in bed.  

"Adam has Hoss been coughing before now?" Marie asked as she headed toward the kitchen.  

"No, 'cept maybe a couple times on the way home. He acted like he felt fine all day though."  

"Well probably just getting a cold.  Some hot tea and lemon will probably fix him right up."   

"I'll go ahead and do the barn chores, Mama while you take him the tea."  

Marie stopped and smiled at Adam, and then touching his shoulder gently, she said, "Thanks, Adam. I'm so glad that I can count on you."  

With that, she went to get Hoss' tea and Adam went out to do the evening chores.   

Little Joe woke up and jumped out of bed.  He hated to get up in the mornings, but he hated to sleep in the daytime when all the exciting stuff was going on.  He quickly pulled on his boots and started to head downstairs to find Mama or Hop Tseng.  Just as he started to head down the stairs though, he heard someone cough and it sounded like Hoss' room.  He changed directions and went straight into his big brother's room.   

Upon entering the room and seeing each other, they each broke out into a natural and warm smile.  "Hey Hoss." Joe said, hurrying over to his brother's bed.   

"Hey Shortshanks."  

"Hoss, you in trouble?"  

"Nah, Joe. What makes ya think that?"  

"Well Mama don't usually make you take a nap!"  

"Ah, Mama said I was catching a cold and told me to come to bed and she's gonna bring me some hot tea and lemon."   

Joe made a face, which caused his brother to laugh.  Joe laughed too and climbed onto his brother's big bed and started jumping up and down.  Hoss laughed and then when Joe was about to jump even higher, Hoss rolled over, causing the bed position to shift, and Joe landed in a heap beside him on the bed.  Hoss's laughter caused him to have another mild coughing spell.   

"Ah heck Hoss you just coughed all over me.  Don't ya know ya sposed to cover your mouth when you cough?" Joe said, making a big to-do about wiping his face off.   

"Sorry Short shanks, I couldn't help it." He said, concern on his face.  

"Gotcha!" Joe said.  "I was just funnin' ya, Hoss."   

They were laughing again when the door opened softly and they both turned to stare into their mother's green eyes.  

"And just what is going on in here?  I thought I sent you to bed to get some rest, Hoss.  Not to get into a giggling' contest with Little Joe.   And Little Joe, when did you get up from your nap?"  Marie tried to sound stern, but the two brothers looked so happy that she couldn't really be mad with them.  After giving them both a look, she gave in and smiled at them both.  

"Here, Hoss, let me straighten your bed and you get under the covers, then you can have your tea."  

"Mama will ya read us a story?" Little Joe asked.  "I bet a story'll make Hoss feel better, won't it Hoss?" Little Joe said, trying to give Hoss a signal without his mother noticing.  It was all she could do to keep from laughing out loud at the exaggerated "covert" looks that Joe was making.  Hoss looked puzzled for a few moments, then he caught on and with a big smile, said, "Yeah, Mama a story always makes me feel better."  Marie laughed and after settling Hoss in bed, she sat on the edge of the bed and read a story. Little Joe snuggled between her and Hoss.  

When she had finished the story, she insisted that Hoss get some rest then and that Little Joe go get washed up since Ben would be home soon.  At the doorway, Joe broke away from his Mama's hand and went over and gave Hoss a hug before he left.  Marie smiled at them from the doorway. It was so wonderful the way these two brothers, half-brothers, at that, had such a strong bond between them.  Joe ran back and grabbed her hand.  "Hoss, I'll send your Pa up to see you as soon as he gets home.  If you need anything you just call me, okay?"  

"Yes, Ma'am." Hoss said.  When his Mama and little brother left the room, he settled down and got comfortable.  He had been feeling a little tired today; maybe a nap would make him feel better.  The hot tea had made his throat feel not quite so scratchy too, so that was feeling better.  Soon, he slept.  

Ben came into Hoss' room quietly so he wouldn't wake him.  Hoss was sleeping soundly.  Ben went over and felt his forehead and was disturbed to feel the fever, though it was not too high.  He also noticed that Hoss's breathing was a little raspy, but then he was lying on his back and Hoss, despite only being 11 years old--was already an accomplished snorer.  Just then Hoss turned over in his sleep and Ben noticed that the raspy sound of his breathing went away.  He shook his head, relieved that it was just snoring.  He adjusted the covers on Hoss and sat in the chair by him for a while.  Thirty minutes later, Marie came to join him to see how Hoss was doing.   

Ben reached over and pulled her onto his lap and they sat there for a few minutes, her head resting against his shoulder.    

"Do you think we should get the doctor to come look at him, Ben?"  

"Well, I don't know, Marie, he's got a little fever, but it's not that high. You say he didn't act like he felt bad?"  

"No, he was fine, just had the coughing and the fever.  Didn't affect his appetite," she said, pointing to the now-empty plate that had been full of cinnamon and sugar cookies.   

"Well, we'll just watch him tonight and see how he is tomorrow.  It's likely just a cold, anyway."  

Just then they heard two little feet come bounding up the stairs and both of them got up quickly to head one youngster "off at the pass".  

Joe pushed the door open and just as he did his father swooped him up into his arms and hoisted him onto his shoulders and began to piggyback him down the stairs.  Marie lingered for a moment, rechecking Hoss' forehead, and readjusting his blankets.  Then she leaned over and kissed him softly on the forehead and turned to follow her husband and young son, who was giggling hysterically as his father bounded down the stairs, pretending to be about to fall under the weight of his burden.  As Marie left the room, Hoss half-opened his eyes, then with a slight smile on his face, closed his eyes again, giving in to the warmth and the cozy bed.  

The family meal was less talkative than usual. Without Hoss there was a void in conversation as well as an empty place at the table.  Joe kept trying to get away with hiding the little green peas that he hated under his napkin, but his father or mother always caught him and made him eat them.  He did so, but with such exaggerated facial expressions that the green peas could have easily been mistaken for poison.  Ben and Marie and Adam all tried to keep from laughing.  Ben and Marie did a credible job, but Adam couldn't help laughing a little now and then, receiving warning looks from his parents.  

After dinner, Ben asked Adam to watch Joe while he and Marie took a tray up to Hoss.  Little Joe begged to go with them, but Adam forestalled a scene by telling Joe he would play checkers with him instead.  Marie had taught Joe the game and he had become fascinated with it and would never pass up a game.   

Ben and Marie came down in about an hour and noticed that Adam looked desperate to be relieved of babysitting and that Little Joe looked about ready to fall asleep, perched on the coffee table.   

"All right, young man, you go upstairs and get ready for bed and I'll be up in just a few minutes to tuck you in."  

"But I'm not sleepy, Mama" Joe said, trying his best to stifle a yawn. 

"Yes, I can see that, Joseph.  Nonetheless, it is your bedtime, so get on upstairs with you."  

"But Ma…."  

"Joseph, get upstairs now or there will be no bedtime story for you."  Marie looked at her son determinedly, without flinching.  

Joe looked back into her green eyes with his own green eyes and saw that she was not going to waver.  Sighing he said, "Papa why come you don't tell me to go to bed instead of Mama?"  

Looking puzzled, Ben said, "And why do you ask that, Joseph?"  

"Cause Mama NEVER changes her mind, and you do." Joe said, simply.  

"Why you little…" Ben said, pretending to start after Joe, who ran toward the stairs giggling.  

"Off with you, boy!"  Ben said, with his hands on his hips.  

As Joe went upstairs, Ben turned around to see Adam and Marie both dying with stifled laughter.   He tried to look wounded, and then he finally said, "Well, that's why I don't usually send him to bed.  You are better at it than me."  

Marie and Adam laughed harder.  

Ben, determined to salvage his pride said, "Humph, the only reason you're better at it than me is that you and he are so much alike.  Both of you have an unfair advantage!"

**

Marie woke up suddenly, knowing something was wrong, but not sure what it was.  She sat up in bed, listening, trying to figure out what was wrong.  Then she heard Hoss coughing and knew that was what had awakened her.  As she got out of bed and slipped on her robe, Ben woke up and immediately got up and pulled on his red velvet robe, and followed her.  When they got to Hoss' room, they found Hoss coughing and Little Joe on the side of his bed, patting him on the back.   

Marie took command, "Ben, you get Little Joe back to bed.  I'll see to Hoss." Ben nodded and quickly grabbed Little Joe and headed out of the room.  "But Papa, I wasn't hurtin' Hoss.  I was helpin' him." Joe said, protesting the actions of his parents.  

"I know, Son, but Mama will see about Hoss.  You have to get back into bed.  You don't even have on your slippers or robe.  It's cold in the house and if you're not careful, you'll get a cold too."  

Ben took him back to his own room and swiftly tucked him in, tucking the covers tight on each side and the bottom, knowing it was a futile attempt to keep Little Joe under the covers.  "Now you lie down and go back to sleep, Little Joe.  You hear me?"  

Joe smiled at his Pa groggily, "Sure Pa.  Tell Hoss I'll help 'im tomorrow."  

Ben smiled and said, "I'll tell him son.  Now you get to sleep."   

"Pa?"  

"Yes, son?"  

"Will you light my lamp and leave it on?"  

Ben smiled and said, "Sure, Joseph."  Joe was a fearless 4 1/2 year old dynamo, unafraid of horses, or mountain lions, outlaws, or bears---but he was afraid of the dark.  They always left his lamp burning low and then snuffed it out after he was asleep.  He relit the lamp and adjusted the flame and turned to tell Little Joe good night again, but he was too late.  Joe was sound asleep, a tight grip on his covers.

Ben smiled and then went to help Marie with Hoss.  

Ben and Marie spent the rest of the night tending to Hoss, who had more and more frequent coughing spells and a higher fever.  As soon as it was dawn, Ben sent one of the ranch hands to fetch the doctor from Virginia City.   

When Paul Martin finally got there, Ben and Marie and Hoss were exhausted.  Dr. Martin examined Hoss while an anxious Ben and Marie hovered nearby, watching him and giving each other worried looks.  Finally, Dr. Martin went to his bag and brought out a bottle of medicine.  He opened the bottle and gave Hoss a teaspoon of the medicine and said, "All right Hoss you just lie back and rest now.  That medicine will help that cough."  

He motioned to Ben and Marie to follow him into the hall.  Just as Ben and Paul left the room, Hoss said, "Mama, can I have some water?"  Marie went quickly to his side and said, "Sure, Honey, I'll get you some now."   Marie filled a glass of water from the pitcher that Hop Tseng had recently replenished and helped Hoss sit up to drink it."  After drinking he looked up at her and smiled and said, "Thanks, Mama.  I'm okay, Mama."  "Sure you are son." She smiled and kissed him on the forehead and straightened his blankets, then said, "I'll be back in just a few minutes, Sweetie."  

Marie hurried down the stairs to speak with the doctor.  As she reached the end of the stairs to the great living room, Ben and Paul were in deep conversation.  

"That's the real reason they closed the school yesterday.  We already had one little boy die." 

Marie's face went completely pale as she heard those words.  Ben reached over and pulled her to him and put his arm tightly around her waist.  

"NO!  What are you talking about?  NO!" Marie said, almost hysterically.  

"I'm sorry Marie, I don't mean to alarm you, but you have to know what we're dealing with here.  We've already had seven cases just in Virginia City alone, not counting the mining and timber camps."  

"But Hoss…."  

"Marie, Hoss is a strong boy, and he isn't nearly as sick as that other little boy was.  The younger they are, the harder it is on them.  We just have to keep Hoss's fever down and keep him drinking lots of liquids.  That medicine I gave you will help too.  Aside from that all we can do is wait and see."  

Ben's face looked pale and grim, but he said, "Is there anything else we should do, Paul?"  He knew that he needed to be brave to keep Marie from panicking.  

"Well nothing except keep the other two away from him. It's mighty contagious."

 "Adam had it when he was little.  Could he get it again?"  

"No, he should have immunity built up in his system.  But keep Little Joe away from him until the fever is gone."  

When Paul said that, what color there was left in Marie's face drained away and she actually began to sway.  She would have crumpled to the floor if Ben had not had a strong grasp on her.  He helped her to the sofa and Dr. Martin took her wrist and counted her pulse.  After she began to get some color back into her face, she looked at the two men and said, "Little Joe was in bed with Hoss yesterday.  He was right up there in bed with him.  What if Little Joe gets it?"  

Paul looked worried, but he said, "Now Marie, let's not borrow trouble.  Just keep him away from him now and keep a close watch on him.  Right now you need to concentrate on getting Hoss well.  If Little Joe gets it, we'll deal with it then."

For the first time, Ben noticed that Adam had slipped into the room, unobserved.  He looked very worried, so Ben said, "Did you hear what the Doctor said, Son?"  

Adam swallowed and nodded his head affirmatively, his face betraying his concern and fear.  

"Well, Adam you can help us by helping keep Little Joe occupied.  You know how hard it is going to be to keep Little Joe out of Hoss' room."   

"Don't worry, Pa, Mama, I'll keep an eye on him."  

As if on cue, they heard the door to Little Joe's room slam and instead of coming down the stairs, they knew he was headed for Hoss' room.  Adam took off up the stairs, two at a time and they shortly heard Little Joe squeal, so they knew that Adam had intercepted him safely.  As they heard them coming down stairs, Paul said, "well I have to get back into town and see what's going on there.  If you need me again, just send for me. I'll get back out here tomorrow as soon as I can to check on him."  

Throughout the rest of the morning, Marie and Ben hovered over Hoss, cooling him off, giving him Hop Tseng's herbal teas and broth to drink, and just sitting with him when he was quiet.  When he had a coughing spell, they would help him sit up and hold him until the coughing spell was over.  By the end of the day, although he was sore from coughing, the coughing spells seemed to be less frequent and he was sleeping more quietly.  Ben and Marie were greatly encouraged by this.  

Adam, in the meantime devoted every minute to entertaining his youngest brother, only visiting Hoss when he finally got Joe down for a nap.  

As soon as he left Joe's room, after reading him at least a dozen stories, or at least he felt like it was a dozen, he went directly into Hoss' room.  Marie was sitting at his bedside, her eyes closed, as if asleep.  Adam walked quietly into the room.  Marie opened her eyes and smiled at Adam.  "So how are you making out keeping up with Little Joe all day?"  Adam grinned and said, "Well let me put it this way---I'd rather try to corral an ornery stallion than keep up with him all the time.  You don't have to worry 'bout me thinking you've got it easy all day."  

Marie laughed and said, "Now you see why I am so glad for you and Hoss and your father to get home everyday."  

"I sure do." Then looking at Hoss, he asked, "How's he doing?"   

"I think he's doing much better, Adam. In fact, I know he is because he asked for some real food instead of broth the last time Hop Tseng brought it to him." 

They both chuckled at that, since Hoss' appetite was one of his most characteristic features.  It took a lot for him to lose his appetite, and he sure wouldn't let a little cough and fever get the best of his appetite.  

Adam sat with Hoss and let Marie go get some rest and see to dinner preparations.  He sat at the bedside and read, while keeping close watch on his brother.  After about an hour, Ben came to relieve Adam and said that Marie was taking a brief nap.  

"I'll go out and do the evening chores, then Pa." Adam said and headed for the door.  

"I asked Charlie to get someone to take care of them Adam.  Why don’t you get some rest, too?  I know keeping up with Little Joe all day is taxing."  

"Well that's the truth, Pa. I don't know how Mama does it but she actually seems to enjoy it."  

"That's because she's just like him in many ways, Son.  And because she's his mother."  

"Yeah I guess so.  Well I'll go rest for a while and then be ready when the little rascal gets up."  

Adam, who hadn't really thought he was tired, was asleep almost the instant his head hit the pillow.  Marie was still napping and Ben was sitting quietly watching Hoss, who was sleeping soundly.  

Little Joe woke up to a quiet house.  He got up and in his sock feet, not taking the time to put on his boots, went bounding down the stairs, expecting to find his Mama, but there was no one in the living room.  He looked over and saw that there was no one at his Pa's desk either.  He made use of that opportunity to go over and examine the dueling pistols hanging above his father's desk, by the large map of the Ponderosa.  He pulled his father's desk chair over and climbed on top of it, and traced the outline of the fancy design on the pistols with his fingers, leaving behind telltale fingerprints.  When he saw the marks and knew he would get into trouble if his father saw them, he decided to use his shirttail to wipe them off.  As he leaned over trying to accomplish this, the chair which was on wheels, rolled away and he lost his balance and fell, landing in a heap on the floor.  He quickly got up and looked around and not seeing anyone coming, he pushed the chair back where it belonged and left the scene of the crime.  

He headed into the kitchen to get out of the danger area, and found the kitchen empty.  He climbed up on the sink to look out the window and saw that Hop Tseng's egg basket was gone, so that he must be collecting the eggs.  He decided that since no one else was home, he'd go help Hop Tseng collect the eggs.  He opened up the back door and ran across the yard to find Hop Tseng.  He ran because that was just his normal mode of movement; but not having on a coat or shoes made speed seem wise anyway.  He went to the chicken coop but didn't find Hop Tseng there either.  He went around and talked to the chickens and looked to see if Hop Tseng had already gathered the eggs.  Finding none in the nesting boxes, he knew that Hop Tseng had already collected them.  

So he wandered around in the barn to see if he could find him.  He was just headed back to the house to look again when he saw Charlie coming out of one of the horse stalls. 

"Hey Charlie.  Have you seen Hop Tseng?" he asked matter-of-factly.  

"Joseph Cartwright!  What are ya doin' out here without a coat and ya aint even got on no shoes, galdarnit.  Ain't ya cold?"  

When Charlie asked him that question he realized that he was a little cold, but he couldn't admit that.  Then he'd look foolish.  

"Heck no, Charlie, I'm hot."  

Charlie reached him by this time and reached down and swung him up in his arms. 

"Hey Charlie put me down.  I have to find Hop Tseng."  

"You're not goin' anywhere but back inta the house 'til ya get proper dressed for the elements, Little Joe."  With that, Charlie headed back into the house, carrying the youngest Cartwright on his hip.  Little Joe pretended to be mad, but in reality now he was very cold and he was glad of the warmth of being held by Charlie.  

When they reached the door, they were met by an anxious Adam, running out the door, Joe's boots in his hands.  

"Whoa, boy.  We 'bout had a run-in there." Charlie boomed.  

"Sorry, Charlie, I was lookin' for Little Joe---" Adam started to explain but then Little Joe's giggles focused his attention on him.  

"What do you think you're doing outside without even your shoes on Joe?  Mama'll skin your hide if she sees that.  Now get in here before you freeze to death.  Where'd you find him Charlie?"  As he said this, he drew Charlie who was still holding Little Joe into the great room until they reached the warmth of the fireplace.  

"Comin’ out of the barn, Adam.  Said he was lookin' for Hop Tseng."  

"I WAS looking for Hop Tseng.  Where is everybody, anyway, Adam?" Joe said, turning the focus of the conversation away from him.  

"I'm right here, Joseph.  And now I'd like to know just why you were outside without permission, not to mention without proper clothing?" Ben's voice boomed from the bottom of the stairs.  The other three had been absorbed in their conversation and hadn't noticed him come down the stairs.  

Joe looked at Ben and gave a smile, "There you are Pa.  I couldn't find no one and I know I'm not s'posed to be here alone, so I was just lookin' for Hop Tseng."  Joe said glibly.  

Adam shook his head and marveled at the quick thinking of his little brother, although he doubted it would fool his father.  

"Joseph, you go on upstairs and get on some warm clothes, we'll talk about that later."  

“Thanks, Charlie, for rounding him up for us.” Ben patted Charlie on the back.

“You’re welcome, Boss.  I knew he had no business bein’ out there on his own.  I’ll be getting’ on back to my chores now.”   

“Thanks, Charlie.”  Adam said as the foreman headed back out the front door. 

Joe started to obey, but Adam stopped him and handed him his boots.  "You'll need these.  You need to put on dry socks, too, Little Joe." 

Joe took the boots and headed upstairs, eager to get away from his father's eyes right now.  

"Pa, I'm sorry.  I fell asleep and didn't hear him wake up." Adam explained to his father.   

Ben smiled and said, "Son, it wasn't your fault.  I was asleep too.   If he's been told once, he's been told a million times not to go outside without permission, but he…well, you know how he is.   Why don’t you check and see if Marie needs anything for Hoss?  I’ll go make sure your little brother gets dry and….”  

Just then Marie came to the head of the stairs, "Ben, Hoss' fever is gone.  He's cool as a cucumber."  She was smiling and her green eyes sparkled, despite the slight signs of weariness in her face.  

Ben smiled with relief and his face relaxed visibly.  "That's wonderful, Marie.  He probably did just have a cold."   

"Why don't you go see your brother, Adam, and I'll go check on Little Joe and then he can go see him, too."?  

The two of them walked upstairs together; Adam went on into Hoss' room; Ben joined Marie on the stairs for a moment. 

"What were you and Adam talking about when I came down?"  

"Oh that young son of ours went outside in his sock feet and without a coat.  Charlie found him and brought him in."  

Marie's eyebrows raised and she shook her head.   

"That child would go barefooted in the snow if we'd let him.  Did you get him warm and dry?"  

"I was just going to do that now."  

"Let me, Ben, I feel like I've hardly seen him in the last 24 hours."   

"We'll both go, Marie.  I haven't seen him much in the past day either."   

They smiled at each other, acknowledging that they were both crazy about their young mischief-maker son.  They walked to Joe's room and opened the door.  Instead of getting into dry clothes, he was sitting on the floor; still wearing his wet socks and pants without a shirt, playing with his toy horses.  

"Joseph Francis Cartwright, get over here and let me get you into some dry clothes." Marie said.  Joe looked up at the sound of his mother's voice.  The excitement in his eyes couldn't be missed.  He dropped his horses and ran into her arms, beaming at her.   

"Mama!  I've missed you. Where've ya been?  Is Hoss still sick?  Can I go see him now? Can I take my horses into his room so we can play with 'em?" 

She laughed and hugged him to her, squeezing him tightly.  

"I missed you too, Little Joe. I've been with Hoss, but he's much better now.  You can see him just as soon as you get on some dry clothes and you can certainly take the horses if Hoss feels like playing."  

She and Ben got him dressed in warm, dry clothes and then the three of them went into see Hoss.  Hoss was sitting up in bed, eating some chicken soup that Hop Tseng had brought him.  When he saw his parents and little brother, he grinned.   

"Hey Short Shanks.  Who's been keeping you out of trouble while I was sick?"  

"That would be me, Hoss." Adam replied with a grin.  "And it's too much work so you better get well in a hurry."  

Joe looked puzzled at the conversation of his big brothers, but he didn't let it concern him too much.  After all, he had brought along his collection of toy horses and he wanted Hoss to play with him.  Hoss always played with the black stallion, while he played with the black and white pinto pony.  After a few minutes, Ben, Marie, and Adam left Little Joe to play with Hoss, while they went downstairs.  

"Just for half an hour, boys, then Hoss has to rest some more and Joe you have to come to dinner."  

That night Hoss slept soundly with very infrequent coughing and by the next morning, he was feeling much better.  By the time Paul Martin came back out to see him, Hoss was almost back to his normal good health.  

"Well looks like Hoss just had a cold.  His lungs are fairly clear and he's breathing just fine.  He's still coughing though so it's a good idea to keep him from getting over-exerted for a week or so, just to make sure.  The school is closed down because so many children are sick, so he won't miss any school."  

Over the next week, things at the Ponderosa got back to normal, except that Adam and Hoss were home because the school was closed. Hoss continued to have a coughing spell when he got too excited or laughed too much at his brothers' antics, but he was feeling good and not having any other signs of illness. Hoss and Little Joe played every game Joe had, including countless games of checkers.  When Hoss would get tired of being beaten by Little Joe, he would persuade Marie or Adam or Ben to play a game with Joe so he could watch Joe get beaten.  Joe was getting to the point that he could beat Adam and Ben but Marie was more than a match for him.   

About a week later, Joe developed a slight cold too, with a runny nose, slight cough, and sneezing, which reminded his mother and father about his little expedition into the barn without his shoes and coat.  Marie gave him hot tea and lemon and put him to bed early as a precautionary measure, despite his protests that he felt fine.  However he did snuggle down under the warm comforter and went to sleep.  He was a little tired anyway he thought as he drifted right off to sleep.  "Tomorrow me and Hoss will get Adam to play cowboys 'n' Indians with us" was his last thought before he surrendered to sleep.  

Marie went in to wake Little Joe up and get him ready for breakfast.  He was still asleep, which didn't surprise her, so she walked over to get him up.  Immediately when she touched him she knew something was wrong because he felt very warm.  She turned him over and was not surprised to see that his cheeks were flushed.  Fighting rising dread, she gently woke him up by shaking his shoulders.  

"Joseph, wake up and talk to Mama."  

"Joseph"  

Finally, he opened his eyes, blinked rapidly a few times, then closed his eyes.   

"Joseph, how do you feel, Son?" 

"My froat hurts, Mama."  

"Here Joe, have a drink of water".  She poured a drink of cold water from the pitcher and raised Joe up and put the glass to his lips.  After some further encouragement, he finally opened his mouth and took a sip.  He cried out when he tried to swallow and would take no more.   

"Froat hurts" was all he would say. 

Marie went to the door and called out, "Ben," panic evident in her voice.  

Adam came out of his room quickly, "Mama, what's wrong?" he knew that something must be wrong with Little Joe since Marie was in his doorway.  

"Adam, get your father for me.  Tell him to hurry." Marie said, her green eyes showing clearly the alarm she was trying to keep off her face, so as not to frighten Adam.  Adam asked for no further clarification; he bounded down the stairs to find his father.   Ben was just coming in the front door when Adam reached the bottom of the stairs. 

"Well Adam it's usually your little brother running…." Ben started, but the expression on Adam's face stopped him.  "What's wrong, Adam?" Ben asked urgently. 

"Mama said she needed you right now in Little Joe's room."   

"What's wrong?" Ben said, although he wasn't waiting for an answer, as he bounded up the stairs.  He entered Little Joe's room and when he saw Marie putting a cool washcloth on Little Joe's forehead and saw Joe's flushed cheeks and sweat-drenched body, he said, "Oh Good Lord, no." 

Marie looked over the bed and met his eyes and he could see the sheer terror in them, that he was sure was mirrored by the looks in his own.  "Ben Joe's fever is high and he says his throat hurts.  He won't even drink water." 

"I'll send for the doctor, Marie.  I'll be right back."  As he opened the door, Adam was standing in the hallway, as if waiting. 

"Want me to send Charlie to fetch Doc Martin, Pa?"  

"Yes, son.  Tell him it's urgent."   

"What's wrong with him Pa?  Doc Martin will ask."  

"Tell him it’s the fever, Adam.  Fever and sore throat."  Just as he was about to add, "but no coughing" they both heard Joe cough, a loud hoarse cough.  

Ben said, "and coughing".  

Adam turned and ran down the stairs and out the front door to find Charlie.  Charlie was in the barn saddling his horse and when Adam told him, he took off immediately toward Virginia City.  

When Adam ran back into the house, he found Hoss coming down the stairs, an anxious expression on his face.  "Adam, Pa told me Little Joe's sick and he wouldn't let me go into see him." Hoss said, his fear showing in his light blue eyes.  

"Yeah I know, I just sent Charlie to get Doctor Martin.  He'll come see about him. " 

"Well I don't know why we can't go in to see him.  I want him to know that we're here." Hoss pouted.  

Adam put his arm around Hoss' shoulders. "Don't worry, Hoss, he knows we're here.  Besides, they would hardly let me in to see you when you were sick and they wouldn't let Joe in at all.  Come on now; let's have some breakfast.  You have to keep your strength up yourself, you know."  He led Hoss over to the dining table and then went into the kitchen to advise Hop Tseng of what was going on.  Hop Tseng first served Hoss and Adam and then took a tray with hot herbal tea and lemon and a cup of broth up to Little Joe's room. 

As he neared the room, he could hear Joe coughing and it put a chill around his heart.  He steeled himself and carried the tray into the bedroom. 

"Mr. and Missy Cartwright, go eat breakfast with Mr. Hoss and Mr. Adam.  Hop Tseng stay with Little Joe.  I bring tea and broth to make him feel better." 

The three of them, working together got Little Joe to take one tiny swallow of the tea, but he would not attempt the broth. 

"Froat hurts" he said in a hoarse, raspy, quiet voice.  Marie sat back on the bed and held Little Joe close to her.  Ben sat next to her and alternately stroked his face or his curly hair or touched her arm or her face.  Hop Tseng quietly backed out of the room, his heart heavy with dread. 

After what seemed like an eternity to them, although it was only 1 1/2 hours by Ben's pocket watch, they heard Dr. Martin's buggy approach.  Ben eased himself off the bed and went downstairs to meet him.  Shortly they returned to the bedroom, both looking very worried.  When Marie saw their faces, the tears welled up her eyes.  

Paul Martin's heart was in his throat when he saw young Joe Cartwright, but he tried to retain his professionalism and not let his fears be displayed to his parents.

Calmly, he said, "Ben, Marie, why don't you wait downstairs while I have a look at him?" 

Ben looked at his son, obviously not wanting to, but reluctantly he said, "All right Paul, if you think that's best." 

"I do, Ben." Paul replied.   

"Come on Marie," Ben said, his arm extended to his wife. 

"I'm staying."  

"Marie…." 

"Ben, Paul, I'm staying." She said and both of them knew it was futile to try to dissuade her from her decision. 

Paul's facial expression softened and he said, "All right, Marie, you can both stay then.  But let me get to him." 

Marie moved over and repositioned Joe so that he was lying on the bed with his head in her lap.  The entire time the Doctor was examining him; she softly stroked his curly hair and whispered soothing words to him.  Joseph seemed to be sleeping during the examination, until Dr. Martin wanted to inspect his throat.  This was an ordeal for all.  Joe was uncooperative and actively resisted Dr. Martin's efforts or his parents' efforts to quiet him.  Finally Ben had to hold Joe so that Dr. Martin could perform the examination of his throat.  As Paul opened Joe's mouth and stuck a tongue blade down his throat, Joe tried to cry and Ben and Marie both noted the increased concern etched on Paul's face.  

As soon as the Doctor removed the tongue depressor, Joe had a coughing spell that left him breathless and pale.   

The examination over, Paul met the eyes of the two fearful parents and said, "Well, I guess you know what my diagnosis is."   

Marie began to cry softly and Ben's eyes had tears in them too.   

"Are you sure, Paul?"  

"Yeah Ben, there's no doubt.  That means Hoss must have had it too, instead of a cold.  Joe probably caught it from Hoss before we even knew Hoss was sick." 

"But Hoss wasn't so sick, so Joe shouldn't be either then, right?" Marie was clutching at straws and she knew it, but she wanted so desperately to believe that Joe would soon be well and running all around the Ponderosa again.  

"Marie, we don't understand why, but different people are affected differently with the same disease.  The younger the child is, too, the worse the course of the disease seems to be too." 

Ben and Marie both closed their eyes tightly for just a minute when the Doctor said that.  Then almost simultaneously they opened them and said, "All right Paul, what do we need to do?" 

Doctor Martin began to give them instructions for Joe's care, and they set to work.  Paul gave them very specific instructions on the amount and timing of the administrations of the few medications that he had to offer. After he showed them everything they needed to know, he went downstairs to confer with Hop Tseng about his contributions to Little Joe's care.   

In a very short time, Little Joe's bedroom was turned into a well-equipped sick room.  A fire had been built up in the fireplace with a kettle of boiling water with some of Hop Tseng's herbs in it, producing a very thick mist in the room.  They began to bathe Joe off to cool down his fever.  They periodically forced the medications or some broth or hot tea down Little Joe's throat.  They placed warm packs around his neck and throat in between times.  When he had a coughing spell, which was becoming more and more frequent, they held him upright in their arms and patted his back to help him catch his breath.  Ben remembered Joe patting Hoss on the back when he was coughing and smiled slightly. 

Adam again volunteered to keep one younger brother out of the room of the other younger brother.  He did this without having to be asked, because he knew that would be the most helpful thing he could do.   He soon found that it was harder to keep Hoss out of Little Joe's room than it had been to keep Little Joe out of Hoss' room.  Little Joe could be distracted and would forget about wanting to go to Hoss' room if you kept him busy.  Hoss, however, had only one thing on his mind---his little brother---and he would not be distracted.  Adam resorted to persuasion, logic, and then finally, guilt to keep Hoss out of Little Joe's room.   

"Hoss, you just got over being sick yourself. How's it goin' to help Little Joe if you get sick all over again?  And besides, Mama and Pa have enough to worry about without worryin' 'bout your getting' sick again, too."  Hoss listened and although he didn't like it, he had to admit that Adam was right.  So he quit begging to go see Little Joe, but he wouldn't leave the house, for fear of not being there if Little Joe needed him.  So, Adam read Hoss stories that Hoss didn't listen to.  The only sound Hoss listened to was the sounds of the coughing and crying and occasional gagging sounds coming from his brother's bedroom. 

Despite all their efforts, Joe's cough and fever continued and by the end of three days, he was no better; in fact, he was much worse.  His coughing spells were more frequent, more prolonged, and by the end of a spell, he was almost gasping for air.  Marie could not be persuaded to leave his side for longer than the barest necessities.  Ben was no different.  He tried to reassure Hoss and Adam that Little Joe would be fine, but he could tell neither of them were convinced.  Hop Tseng somehow managed to get the housework and cooking done, and still spend almost all day long either in Little Joe's room or going to or from his room and the kitchen.

Doctor Martin came to the Ponderosa as often as possible, and he always offered some new suggestion, which the Cartwrights faithfully followed, believing that if they followed all instructions perfectly, Little Joe would start getting better.   

After 6 days, Joseph was worse.  They had been doing everything Doctor Martin had suggested, round-the-clock for the entire time.  Now, Joe was so exhausted and so out of it from the fever, that they could barely get the tea and broth and medication into him.  During his coughing spells, they would have to hold him up and pat him on the back.  After the coughing spells, he would literally be gasping for air.  When Doctor Martin arrived that evening at 6 PM and got a look at Joe, he knew that Joe couldn't hold out much longer.  He sadly told his parents that he didn't know what else to do and that it was now up to Little Joe…and to God.  

After the Doctor left, Ben and Marie took a few moments to comfort each other… one brief hug…and then they went back to their son.  They continued washing him off to cool him down, forcing the liquids down his throat, spooning the medicines into him, soothing him when he coughed and turned blue, comforting him when he woke and tried to talk or cry and couldn't make a sound.

Adam came to the door several times to get reports on his brother, Hoss right behind him.  Adam could tell that the situation was desperate, despite his father's assurances that Joe would be all right.  He saw that Marie didn't even take her eyes off Joe, as if she did, he wouldn't still be breathing when she looked back at him.  Ben left the room long enough to help Adam get Hoss to bed.  When they had finally been able to get Hoss to sleep, reassuring him that his baby brother was going to be okay, Adam looked at Ben and said, "Pa, how is Little Joe really?" 

Ben looked at Adam and almost gave him the same response that he'd been giving Hoss all week, but when he met Adam's eyes, he knew he couldn't.  "Adam, he's very sick and Paul doesn't know anything else to do for him.  He…He told us it was pretty much up to Joe and the Lord now."  Saying the words out loud shattered some of the steel resolve of Ben Cartwright and the tears welled in his eyes and spilled over, running in a river down his face.   

Adam wanted to comfort his father and was searching for words to say, but none came.  Instead he walked closer to his father and hugged him tightly, trying to share some of his father's burden.  And it worked. After the hug, Ben felt better, stronger.  He squared his shoulders and looked at Adam and said, "thanks, son.  Now I'm going back in there and have a talk with Little Joe and the Lord.  JOSEPH IS GOING TO GET WELL."   And somehow, hearing his father say that, Adam felt that he would.  No one, not Little Joe or God would defy Ben Cartwright. 

Ben went back into Little Joe's room and sat on the bed next to Marie.  Taking hold of her hand, he began to pray out loud.  He prayed a simple prayer, straight from the heart, asking God to spare their son if it be in His will, and to help them if it not be in His will.  He and Marie both said "amen" when he finished.  Then Ben started talking out loud to Little Joe.  He started talking to him about simple things that he and Joe had done together.  He talked to Joe about the last time they had gone fishing together, the last time Little Joe had gone to Virginia City and how he'd gotten a sarsparilla, and how Hop Tseng was cooking his favorite foods for his next birthday.   

Just as it seemed that Ben was going to run out of things to say, Marie took over.  She told Little Joe how much fun she and he had playing checkers and how he was getting so good that he'd soon be beating her, she told him how much Hoss missed him and wanted him to hurry up and get well so they could play with the toy horses, and how Adam wanted to take him and Hoss on a camping trip, and how he was growing so fast, that he'd soon need all new clothes. 

Throughout the rest of the night, they talked to him while they tended to him.  They continued to do all the things they had been doing, but they also kept up a steady stream of conversation.  When one of them would grow tired, the other would take over.  While Ben was talking, Marie would gently stroke Joe's face, or push his curly hair off his forehead.  During the coughing spells, one of them would hold him and try to help him clear his lungs and breathe; the other one would keep talking to him.  And while they talked or soothed, they both prayed silently.  Hour after hour, they kept it up. 

Marie awoke with a start; she had dozed off.  She immediately looked at Joe and was relieved to see that he was still breathing.  But then she noticed that he was breathing easier, that he didn't seem to be struggling with each breath.  She looked and saw that Ben was dozing too.  She said softly, "Ben, wake up." 

Ben startled awake and he too, looked down at their son. He watched him breathe for a few moments, then looked at Marie with a questioning look.   

"He's better, Ben.  He has to be better."   

Just then Joe had another coughing spell, and although it left him breathless and gasping for air, it wasn't quite as bad as the ones before.  They again looked at each other and smiled--not a big smile, but a little smile.  Joe shifted and moaned a little and Marie began talking to him again.  She told him how brave he was and how handsome he was, and how the girls would be crazy about him when he got older.  As she said this, she actually thought she saw Joe respond, but she decided it was probably just coincidental movement.  When she noticed that the dawn was coming, she let Ben take over talking to Joe and she watched the sun rise for a few moments and gave a silent prayer of thanks.  

When she turned back to look at Joe, Ben was talking to Little Joe about how much he loved the book with the pinto pony, and how he loved to play with the toy horse that looked like a pinto.  "When you get old enough, Joe, I promise I'll get you a pinto pony for your very own."  If she hadn't been sure that Joe responded to her earlier comment, she was sure that Joe did respond to this one.  She was sure he had heard his father and had smiled.  "Ben!  Did you see that?  He smiled Ben!  He heard you."  Ben looked down at his son and wasn't sure Marie had actually seen anything but he wanted to believe she had, so he smiled at her. 

Soon, Adam came and stuck his head in the door for a report.  Ben motioned for him to come into the room.  When Adam reached the bed, he smiled and said, "His fever's down, ain't it Pa?"  "Yes, son, it sure is.  And he's breathing better too."  Before Adam could get out of the room, Hoss came busting in.  "How's Little Joe?" 

"He's better, Hoss.  He's much better.  Now you need to go get on your robe and slippers so you won't get sick again.  Adam would you see to that and then tell Hop Tseng we are hungry up here."  As Adam started to usher Hoss out of the room, they heard a buggy pull in to the courtyard.  Adam looked out the window and said, "It's Doctor Martin.  I'll go let him in." 

Paul Martin came to the door of the Cartwright's house with trepidation.  He had come out early because he had not been convinced that Little Joe would live through the night.  Since the Cartwrights had not sent for him, he wasn't sure what that meant.  He just had to get out here early so he could see if there was anything else to do.  He'd consulted every book and sent wires to colleagues, but had not found anything better than his own treatment.  He was just so afraid that this was not enough.   

Abruptly the front door swung open forcefully and Adam Cartwright was standing there, beaming at him.  He knew that had to mean that Little Joe was better.  He gave Adam a quick greeting and practically ran up the stairs and barged into Little Joe's room.  He took in the sight of Ben and Marie in bed with Little Joe in between them, his head resting on their chest.  From the doorway, he could tell that Joe's color was better and that his breathing was not as labored and he was not having such a struggle to get air into his lungs. 

He laughed out loud, "Ben, Marie, when did he get better?" As he asked this, he picked up Joe's wrist and counted his pulse, his smile increasing as he did so.  "Decreased.  Much better."  Then he put his stethoscope in his ears and listened to Joe's chest.  "Still wheezy, but much better air entry."  He pushed his fingers down on Joe's skin in several places and said "Much better perfusion."  He then looked at Ben and Marie and asked again, "When did he get better?"   

Ben laughed and said, "Well sometime between 5 AM and 6 AM, Paul.  We both dozed off and when we woke up, he was better." 

Paul smiled and said, "I suspect it was the other way around.  He got better and then you dozed off." 

Marie laughed and said, "I bet you're right, Paul.  But he IS better, isn't he?" 

"He's much better.  In fact, let's see if we can get him to wake up and check out his throat and see if he'll talk to us."

 Marie said, "Let me try" and she began to gently talk to Joe telling him "Get up sleepyhead.  Don't you think Mama has nothing better to do than to sit in bed with you all day?" As she talked to him, she gently shook his arm and stroked his face.  Finally, she was rewarded with a gradual awakening, his eyes opening and closing again and again and ultimately, staying open. 

"Well hello, young man.  How are you feeling today?" 

Ben and Marie held their breath.  Joe had not responded to a question in 5 days.  They knew that if he could speak now, that he must be better. 

"'kay." Joe said. 

The three people in the room and the two people with their ears pressed to the door, all let out a "yay".  Ben and Marie both realized that Adam and Hoss were eavesdropping, but they said nothing. 

Then Paul looked at Joe's throat and palpated his neck and chest.  Joe, although he showed his displeasure, suffered through the examination.   

"His throat swelling is gone down, the redness is better, and the glands seem to be less swollen too.  He's gonna be all right.  He is going to be all right." He repeated his prognosis a second time, more for himself than for the Cartwrights. 

With that, the door flew open and Adam and Hoss rushed into the room.  Ben and Marie just laughed and said, "Did you hear that?  Your brother is going to be all right!"  Everyone (except Little Joe) laughed at the good news. 

Marie, who was still looking closely at Little Joe's face, noticed a slightly puzzled look.  "What's the matter Little Joe?  Do you think your family's taken leave of its senses?"

He looked even more confused about that question, not really knowing what it meant.  Slowly he shook his head and whispered, "No, but…." 

"But what, Son?" Ben asked gently prompting Little Joe. 

"Papa, did you mean your promise to get me a pinto pony when I got older enough?" 

Again everyone in the room, except Little Joe laughed, making him frown slightly. 

When he was sufficiently recovered to answer him, Ben said, "Yes Little Joe I meant my promise to get you a pinto pony when you get "older enough". 

Little Joe smiled slightly when he heard this, then he yawned and they could tell he was getting sleepy again.  "Well I think this young man needs some more broth and some more medication and then I think he needs some more sleep----and from the looks of you---you all could use some sleep.  Even Hop Tseng looks like he's been staying up all night taking care of the house and all day trying to take care of Little Joe.   

In short order, broth appeared, carried by Hop Tseng and soon Little Joe was settled back down to rest.  He steadily improved over the next two weeks.  His cough lingered for more than three weeks, but it too gradually left.  Within two months of his illness, Little Joe was back to his normal robust health, causing endless trouble, endless worry, and endless love.  

So what is YOUR diagnosis?????

Author's note:

I hope you enjoyed my little story.  The Cartwrights---of course you are all familiar with them, and you know I didn't create them.  A good friend, Deb, suggested the story idea; the writing was my own.  

***The End***

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