He knew he had to get up and on his horse before his brother found him. With effort he slowly got back to his feet, waiting out the dizziness, nausea and pain to subside. Slowly he made his way to the mares and grasped the lead line. He made his way to Cooch's side and paused for breath. He was tired and aside from his body aching from fever, it was smarting from additional injury. He made his way into the saddle, slumping forward while grasping his painful ribs. He straightened as much as the pain would comfort and urged Cooch forward. He'd only traveled a few yards before he spotted his brother headed towards him. He swallowed his groan of pain when he stifled a cough. He knew at least a few of his ribs were at least cracked, possibly broken. Forcing a smile he joked to his brother, "Dang mare, sure it isn't your turn to lead her?"
Adam could see Joe was in pain, his expressive eyes giving him away. Sighing Adam knew the answer his brother would give if he questioned him again like he has for the past few days. Again he asked and shook his head with his stubborn brother's response. He though about the good time they were making and that by tomorrow afternoon they would be on Ponderosa land. They should even make it home by dinner. Bringing his thoughts back to his brother, Adam knew Joe was sick but had to admire the boy's will to keep going and not complain. "Well you'll be happy to know we should be home or supper tomorrow. Best find us some shelter for the night. There's a cave a few miles ahead. We should make it there before nightfall. Joe are you sure your feeling alright? You don't look too good."
Joe smiled at his brother with another "I'm fine" he urged his horse down the trail. His brother's grim look and shaking head wasn't missed as he moved on. White hot agony shot through his chest with each step his horse took. He felt like he was on fire and draining his canteen did little to quench his thirst. His constant cough was fought against as each increased the pain radiating in his side. He couldn't help but feel the eyes of his brother and the quiet sigh he released.
"Joe I think we ought to stop now. There's a cave a short way. We'll stop there for the night."
"I'm fine Adam, just a little bit closer to home before we stop. I just want to get home." He felt the oncoming cough and couldn't hold back. The pain was excruciating but he refrained from grasping his ribs. He had to be strong for Adam, it wouldn't be fair for him to take on four more horses and a sick brother. Forcing another smile he turned to his brother but the look on his face said the discussion was closed. As much as he hated to admit it the thought of resting was exactly what he wanted. Nodding to his brother they were back on their way. Not much farther down the trail Joe felt himself getting very tired. Growing heavy his eyelids started closing while his body slumped forward against his horse's neck. Cooch continued to move forward towards Sport and the three mares followed as well regardless that the lead line was held loosely in Joe's slack hand.
Adam caught sight of the cave a short distance away. Turning to his brother time slowed as he watched Joe start to fall from his horse. There was no time to get him before he would hit the ground.
Sorry for such a long delay. I should be adding another chapter tomorrow. Thank you all for being patient. There is a lot more of this story coming!