The sensation of falling pulled Joe out of his groggy state, but did little to stop his abrupt landing on the hard packed dirt. If his ribs weren't broken before he was certain some were now. He couldn't stop the moan of pain as white fire ripped through his chest. Joe knew there was no more denial to his brother, he was in too much pain and his body's responses to the fever had escalated. Distantly as though from a tunnel he heard his brother's shout "Oh God, Joe." With a groan of surrender he allowed his eyes to close.

Time returned to normal for Adam as he made his way quickly to Joe's side. "Joe, Joe can you hear me? Come on little buddy let me know your okay." He wasn't sure he would get an answer but was relieved to see his brother slowly open his pain filled eyes "I'm fine Adam, we need to keep moving." Adam gave a small smile before he replied "Shh Joe, only thing we need to do is get you under shelter and some rest."

He was barely audible and laced with fatigue "Just gonna get a little sleep then we'll be on the trail again." Without another word Joe gave into his exhaustion and allowed unconsciousness to take its hold.

With sorrowful eyes Adam looked at his brother. He couldn't help but feel guilty for pushing his brother so hard. He knew he should have made him rest and eat, he was the oldest after all and it was his responsibility to watch out for his little brother. He was very disappointed in himself, but his heart soared with pride for the strength his little brother had shown. Pulling himself out of his dark thoughts he tied the mares to the rest of the horses, and Cochise to Sport. He placed his heavy jacket around Joe to keep him warm. Heat radiated off his little brother like a steam engine, he never stirred as Adam managed to get them onto Sport and moving on the trial. The cave was within sight but the travel was treacherous with all the horses to lead and keeping his brother secure. Joe was covered in sweat and Adam quickly worked to strip him from his wet clothes. Removing the jacket and shirt he gasped when he saw the deep bruising on his right side. Feeling for fractures he heard his brother groan in pain at the light pressure he had used. He could feel a couple of them were broken and a few more likely cracked. Rocking back on his heels he sighed "Oh Joe, why didn't you say anything." He hadn't really meant it as a question for his brother, but his light explorations had brought his brother back from unconsciousness.

"Sorry Adam, I didn't want to worry you. Just wanted to get home."

Adam couldn't miss the pain and sorrow in his little brother's eyes. "No Joe you have nothing to apologize for, this is my fault. I'm the older brother, it was my responsibility to watch out for you. I'm sorry I did not do it better." He wasn't certain his brother even heard him as he was back asleep again. Shredding his shirt he soon had material for biding his ribs. After securing them best he could he covered his brother with all the blankets. Soon after the strong scent of coffee permeated the cave from the warm fire it sat on. He brought a small cup full and encouraged his brother to drink some. He barely stirred but did manage to finish the cup. Adam could feel the heat from the fever. Settling the horses for the night he realized his situation wasn't that great. He had seven horses to lead and a sick an injured brother to safely get home. "Adam" his little brother's call and coughing brought him out of his thoughts. The fever was getting higher and the coughing fits would only rack more havoc on Joe's injured ribs. "How are you feeling Joe?"

"Can't breath…hot…s…hot…water" His breathless effort was hard to miss as well as the raspy breathing. He helped Joe drink some water but not nearly enough before his was back asleep again. He knew he needed to get Joe to a doctor soon. They were still quite a ways from home and now the ride would take much longer. Adam considered his options and decided the best was to send Sport and Cochise back home on their own. He put Joe's saddle with a note attached to his horse to let his father and brother know what was happening. Leading the two horses outside he took a deep breathe praying he was making the right decision. He knew they would dart for home, he just hoped they would make it fast enough. With a loud yell and hard slap onto their rumps he watched as they took off at a quick pace towards home. He watched as they took off out of sight and until he could no longer hear the drum of their hooves on the hard ground. He could only pray now he hadn't messed up again. He headed back inside and added another cool compress onto his brother's forehead. Unfortunately his effort seemed in vain as the fever continued to rise. He sighed as he rose knowing he had to get moving towards home. With his brother's rising fever he knew he had to keep moving. Soon he broke camp and had the bay stallion saddled. He was a good strong horse and hoped he would continue as such on the trail. Having two less horses would help travel faster. Traveling during the night will be dangerous but he had no options. He only prayed the horses he sent home made it quickly so help would be there for Joe. Joe barely stirred as he was lifted onto the stallion's back. Mounting behind Adam pulled him close and headed off into the night with the mares following behind.

The ride was slow; the cool night air did little to alleviate the fevered chills that racked his brother's body. His breathing had become more shallow and ragged with the heavy congestion within his lungs. Morning light touched the sky as Adam found himself on Ponderosa land. Tiredness seeped into his bones, but his worry and guilt gave him the strength to carry on. "Joe we're on the Ponderosa now, we'll be home shortly. Just hang on little buddy." His brother stirred but was quickly taken over by a coughing spell. Exhausted he slumped farther back into his brother's chest. Adam swallowed hard and felt his heart shattering with worry, with a nudge he urged his mount to pick up the pace

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Okay so here is the next chapter. Hopefully I will update again tonight or possibly tomorrow. There are at least a few more chapters:)