Chapter 8

"Mr. Cartwright said to bring little girl some lunch. Little Missy need to eat." HopSing pushed the fresh ham sandwich and glass of milk towards the little girl. The little girl took one look at it and felt the pinch of pain creep into her stomach. She was a bit hungry but the anticipation of waiting to hear news on Ephraim was just about killing her insides. She couldn't possible think of eating a morsel.

"I'm not hungry HopSing. But thank you anyway." Gertie pushed the plate back across the small wooden desk that was in the corner of the guest room. HopSing gave the little girl a deep frown.

"But Mr. Cartwright said Little Missy needs to eat." HopSing's hands starting flaring around in the air, which was a signature sign for him that he was getting frustrated. "This news will not make Mr. Cartwright very happy." HopSing went ranting into his typical Chinese language when they both heard a boyish chuckle from the door way. As Gertie turned her attention away from the faithful servant she noticed that Little Joe was leaning on the doorframe with a deep dimple grin and arms crossed.

"Oh, HopSing, leave her be." Little Joe said in between chuckles. "Pa, and Doc Martin want to see you in Ephraim's room." HopSing tossed his hands in the air again and marched off mumbling more Chinese. As he passed Little Joe he made one more try. "Missy needs to eat, you make sure she eats."

Little Joe's chuckles subsided but not his grin. He patted HopSing on the shoulder and reassured his friend. "Don't you worry none, I'll make sure she eats something."

"Number three son better." And with that the two could hear the mumbles of Chinese still linger in the air as HopSing made his way down the hall and stairs. Little Joe inched further in and moved his gaze from the stiff, quiet, little girl back to the sandwich.

"You know something about my Pa?" When Little Joe had Gertie's attention he continued, "He hates it when food is wasted." Joe waltzed over to the desk and pushed the plate towards Gertie who was still sitting in the chair by the window. When there wasn't much of a reaction from her, Joe tried again. "He also doesn't like to be disobeyed. So you best eat something." In that instant Joe could tell by the saddest in the girl's eyes that she would need more than his boyish wit to get her to eat something.

"Like I said Little Joe, I'm not very hungry." Gertie stated flatly as she continued to watch the wind blow around the fall leaves. Joe moved closer to the girl and peaked over her shoulder to see what had her attention. When he noticed it wasn't much of anything he tried again. "I know you're worried about Ephraim but not eating doesn't help him get better any faster, and it only hurts you as well."

"You don't know what you're talking about." Gertie said snidely.

"Oh, I don't do I?" When Little Joe didn't get any banter back he added, "I hate to tell you this, but I know a lot more than you do, that's for sure." It was then that it dawned on Gertie that maybe Joseph was right.

"Have you heard any news about Ephraim?" She said swirling around elbowing Joe in the stomach. Joe was expecting the elbow in the gut and gasp for air, as the blow took the wind out of him for a second. When he caught it he couldn't help to let his anger kick in.

"Ouch!" He shouted grabbing his stomach with his hands. "That hurt." He hissed.

"Well you shouldn't been standing so close then!" Gertie yelled back.

"Well you should be eating something and not staring out that darn window there!"

"And you should be minding your own business!" And before Little Joe could say anymore the two heard a deep clear of a throat.

"Joseph?" The sharp voice spoke. When Gertie's and Joe's eyes met that of the tall, board man standing in the door way they both stopped their bickering. "Joseph, I believe there are some chores waiting for you out in the barn, is there not?" Joe flashed Gertie a threating look before acknowledging his father.

"Yes Sir, there is."

"Then I suggest that you get down there and start in on them." Joe continued to rub at his stomach where Gertie's bony elbow had just jabbed him but obeyed his father and moved on past him and out into the hall. Once Ben knew that Little Joe was out of ear shot he turned his attention to the plate of food that was still sitting on the desk. He moved closer into the room and when he got up close enough to Gertie, Gertie dipped her head low and all of a sudden found interest in her scuffed and worn out boots. Ben knew what she was up to so he slipped his index finger under her chin and slowly raised it up. "You're not wasting perfectly good food are you?" Now that he could see her eyes he would know if she was lying or not.

"No, Sir." She said stumbling over the answer.

"Good, then after Doc Martin examines you, I expect that sandwich to be gone." Ben still had a hold of the little girl's chin so that she couldn't refuse looking directly at him.

"Examine me? Why? I'm not sick." She sputtered.

"No, not yet you aren't. He just wants to make sure since the two of you have been in close range of one another, especially at night time." Ben decided that it was time to let the little girl know that he knew of her little secret.

"Huh?" Gertie replied trying to act dumb of the accusation.

"Gertrude, do you honestly think I don't know what you have been doing every night? This is my house after all." Gertie could start to feel the heat rise in her cheeks. She honestly thought that she was pulling one over on him.

"It's just that… well, you see… I just didn't feel…" Gertie was embarrassed and for some reason she just couldn't spit out her defense of why she had been sleeping with Ephraim these past few nights. But Ben being the kind, and caring soul that he is, placed his finger over the girl's tiny pink lips to get her to hush.

"There's no reason to explain. I think I understand. But because the two of you have been sharing a bed, Doc Martin just wants to make sure."

"But Mr. Cartwright I feel fine, honestly I do. There's no need for this. I'm sure he has better things to be doing." Gertie whined.

"We'll let Doc Martin be the judge of that." Ben moved back towards the door and motioned for Doc Martin to come in. Gertie stiffed her body as the doctor came into the room. She never did like doctors, especially now seeing one couldn't save her father, and one didn't save her mother years ago.

"Hi Gertrude, how are you feeling today?" He asked placing his bag on the bed.

"Fine." She mumbled. Doctor Martin tried to resist a chuckle as he could tell by her response that she wasn't too happy about this. He opened his bag and pulled out his stethoscope and a few other instruments. He inched closer to the girl and asked for her to sit down on the bed. Gertie eyed Ben who nodded his head for the girl to listen and follow directions. She knew that she was already in deep with the man so she quickly shifted from the window to the bed. Once she was sitting Doc Martin did a quick routine checkup. He listened to her heart, listened to her breathing, checked her ears, mouth and throat and lastly her glands. After he was done with the checkup he was smiling from ear to ear.

"I'm happy to report Ben that this child here is looking healthy as ever." Ben smiled in relief. "All she needs to do is eat that nice looking ham sandwich over there and drink that milk and she'll be good to go."

"What about Ephraim? How's he doing? Can I go see him?" Gertie asked with spunk as she jumped down off the bed.

"NO!" Both Ben and Doc Martin answered in unison.

"Please? I'll only stay a minute."

"Gertie, Ephraim needs his rest. I'll let Ben know when you can go and visit. Until then I expect you to stay out of his room and be a good girl. Is that clear?" Gertie was not pleased with this response. She crossed her arms against her chest and dug her heals into the floor. They couldn't keep her away from her brother that was for sure she thought. But when she hadn't answered the Doc, Ben spoke up.

"Gertrude, Doc Martin is waiting for your answer."

"Yes, Sir, it's clear." She grumbled.

"Good." Doc Martin ruffled the top of Gertie's hair and smiled. "Now you best get started on that sandwich." Doc Martin turned to Ben and spoke. "Ben I want to recheck something on Ephraim. Will you accompany back in again? I think he feels more comfortable with you around."

"Sure thing, Paul." Ben started to follow Paul out when he turned and warned Gertie of the sandwich. "When I come back Gertie I expect that meal to be gone. And then we will have our talk." Gertie just nodded her head and watched as the two men left the room. She let out a loud huff but did move closer to the plate awaiting her on the desk.

When Ben and Paul returned back to Ephraim's room, Adam was there trying to relieve the boy's fever again. Paul was happy to see that Ephraim was resting quietly. He asked Adam to step aside so that he could recheck his breathing and heart rate. Paul wasn't too impressed with the results of the first check so he wanted to do it again just in case there might be better results this time. As Paul was checking things he thought to himself about all the reasons why one could have a rapid heart rate. The boy could have been nervous, or scared or just plain uncomfortable and in pain. But now that he was resting he was hoping to get a much slower heart rate than before.

Doc Martin slipped the stethoscope on and listened closely. He still wasn't too impressed with how things were looking. During the earlier examination he had witness the horrible green sputum that the boy had been coughing up all morning. He also had taken note of the boy's fast breathing and rapid heart rate, and now that he was resting not much had changed from the first examination. Paul didn't say much to Ben or Adam during the examination but Ben could tell by the deep lines in his face that there could be something seriously wrong with the young boy.

As Doc Martin was placing his instruments back into his black leather bag Ephraim went into another coughing fit which woke him from his sleep. Doc Martin was there trying to sooth the boy through his cough by gently placing pressure on the boys chest. Once Ephraim was done Paul spoke. "There, there boy. I've got something that's going to help with that. Until then, I want you to get some rest, you hear me?"

"Yes, Sir." His weak voice replied.

"That's a boy." Doc Martin noticed the boy's body shaking with chills and so he immediately pulled the blankets back up and tucked them in an around the boy's shoulders. "I'll be back in a few days to check up on you." Ephraim tried to smile at the kind doctor but could only manage a half smirk. Doc Martin turned towards Ben and Adam and motioned them towards the door. Both Cartwright men moved out first and waited for Doc Martin to follow. Once they were all out of the room and Doc Martin had shut the door they moved down the grand stair case. Once they landed at the bottom of the stairs and were over in the sitting area warming by the fire did Ben finally speak.

"Paul can I interest you in some late lunch?"

Paul smiled but had to shake his head. "That's real nice of you Ben, but I really should be getting back to town. Jayne Johnson is expecting and I'm suspecting that it could be soon." Ben let out a soft chuckle but insisted that Paul stay for a few minutes.

"If I can't interest you in lunch, how about a cup of coffee? You surely have time for one cup, don't you?"

"You've got me there Ben. How can I resist HopSing's coffee? Only one cup though."

Ben laid a friendly slap on his old friend's back and bellowed to HopSing. Before anyone knew it HopSing was standing in front of them.

"Yes Mr. Cartwright?"

"We'll take some coffee, please."

"Yes. Be right back with it." As HopSing was about to return to the kitchen to fetch the request, Doc Martin spoke up.

"HopSing, I could use your assistance with making up some remedies for Ephraim." Doc Martin trusted HopSing's ancient Chinese remedies over any modern day medicine.

"Anything for young Ephraim." HopSing always felt honored when asked for help with medicines by the white haired man.

"I need you to make up a solution of foxglove and willow bark for the boy. Also if you can do some more of that salve with the eucalyptus and peppermint for the boy that would help too."

"It will take me a bit, but should have some made up by nightfall."

"Thank you HopSing, I knew I could count on you." Paul stepped up to the fire and placed his hands close to it to warm them. When there was a minute of silence, Adam finally spoke.

"So Doc, what do you think is wrong with Ephraim?"

Paul wasn't trying to be disrespectful by not answering Adam's question, but he just wasn't a hundred percent sure yet of what it could be. "How long has Ephraim been sick, Ben?"

Ben rubbed his chin with his thumb trying to remember. It really wasn't until this morning that he clearly noticed the symptoms. He should have been paying closer attention, but with the death of Jack, and the funeral and running the Ponderosa, he wasn't certain. He did clearly remember one thing though.

"I only recall him having that cough since this morning, but his nose has been running since we brought the children here a few days ago. I really didn't pay it any mind, because what child doesn't have a runny nose this time of year?" Ben shrugged remembering the boys constantly having one through the winter months.

Paul chuckled at the fact that Ben was right, but that could have been the beginning signs of it all. "True, but Ben I'm concern with some of his other symptoms." Ben raised an eye brow and nodded for Paul to continue with his diagnosis. "First thing that is perfectly clear is that Ephraim has acute otitis, actually double acute otitis."

But before Doc Martin could continue Hoss came in from the kitchen with a piece of bread in hand and said, "Oti what?"

Paul, Adam and Ben turned towards Hoss and watched as he joined in on the conversation.

"Otitis Hoss. It means inner ear infection."

"Oh, poor kid. One is bad enough, can't imagine having two." Hoss said sitting down on the stone hearth.

Paul turned his attention back towards Ben and lowered his voice some just in case there might be some young ears eavesdropping. "It's not so much the ear infections I'm worried about as much as it's the green colored sputum and…"

"Darn burnet, Doc. Talk in terms that we know." Hoss barked, but not before being slapped upside the head by Adam who was standing beside him with his foot on the stone hearth.

"Mucus, Hoss. He's got a great deal of junk in his chest, which makes me to believe that he has been sick for a while." Ben immediately ran his hands through his hair and exuberated a heavy sigh.

"Now, Ben don't go beating yourself up about this. That boy could have had hidden symptoms, or he could have had a common cold that turned into this. We'll never know."

"And what is this it that you're referring to?" Adam asked, but deep down Adam already had a good idea of what "it" was.

"I have a strong feeling that Ephraim might have pneumonia. All the signs are there. He has the sputum, vomiting, fever, chills, rapid heart rate and fast shallow breathing. Now of course all these symptoms also go along with an ear infection. So I want you to mix this solution up with some tea or broth, whatever HopSing has on hand and give it to him. About a teaspoon twice a day for the next two days should do. I also want HopSing to make the foxglove and willow bark solution. Alternate it twice a day with this solution. I'm hoping with some rest that he will begin feeling better within a few days. I suggest that you open the window and let some fresh air in it will help, but keep plenty of blankets on hand for his chills. It's all about the liquids for the next few days. Lots of HopSing's chamomile tea and chicken broth." HopSing arrived just in time to hear Doc Martin recommend tea and broth. As he was handing out the coffee HopSing spoke.

"HopSing, making a pot of chicken broth right now, Sir. Roasted chicken for dinner, plenty of broth for boy."

"Thank you, HopSing. I know that I'm leaving him in good hands." Paul took a sip of the coffee and smiled. "Best coffee around these parts. Hands down, without a question." Everyone in the room smiled and HopSing excused himself.

"Must get back to kitchen."

Paul relaxed and small talked with the Cartwright men as he finished his coffee. He took a quick glance at his pocket watch and told Ben that he really must be going. As Ben and Adam were helping Paul with his coat he reminded Ben that he could be in for a long couple of days. "Ben, I know it's been a while since you have dealt with children, but I just want to warn you that the next 24-48 hours could be tough. Ephraim's stomach might not agree with that medicine or even HopSing's remedies. I would suggest that maybe you guys take shifts. It might not be as bad on everyone if you take turns.

"We can do that." Adam spoke for his family. Ben was proud of seeing how his oldest was stepping up to the plate. Ben knew his boys were growing up, and this proved it.

"Adam's right Paul. We can do it."

"I know you can. Like I said to HopSing, the boy is in good hands."

"Thanks, Paul." Ben and Adam walked Paul out to his buggy. Adam held Paul's medical bag as he climbed up and took hold of the reins. Just as Paul was ready to move the horse he turned to Ben.

"Oh, and Ben, keep that little girl away from Ephraim for at least 48 hours. Let the medicine kick in first before she has contact. The boy is still contagious and unless you want to go through this again in a few days, I suggest you keep her away."

"Easier said than done." Paul smiled wide and waved good-bye. Adam and Ben watched as he drove off, both in their own thoughts, but thoughts that swirled around one little girl.

"Keeping Gertie away from Ephraim might be more of a chore than actually taking care of the boy." Adam remarked as the two turned towards the house. Ben shook his head and just as he was ready to move on back into the warmth of the house something above caught his eye. He glanced up and noticed that same little girl they were talking about was watching them from the window above. But once Gertie noticed that Ben caught her she quickly dropped the curtain back and moved away from the window. Adam noticed as well and let out a small laugh. "What are you going to do about her Pa?"

"What needs to be done Son. What needs to be done." The two walked slowly towards the house.

"Just remember Pa, she's been through a lot these past few days."

"You think I don't know that Adam?" Ben reached for the door knob and the two entered the house. Ben shut the door behind them before adding. "What she did was wrong Adam. And as long as she's living under this roof, she will not be disrespectful to her elders. She might have had reason, but stomping on Widow Spencer's foot is not acceptable. And she needs to learn that even if she is mad, she cannot let that Irish temper get the best of her."

Adam didn't agree with his Pa, but he also knew that he had spoken enough of his mind on this matter. He grabbed his coat off the hook and did what he knew was best. "I'll be out in the barn helping Hoss and Little Joe."

"Alright Son." Ben watched his son slump off to the barn. Ben shook his head and knew that he needed to make his way up the staircase and have that dreaded discussion with Gertie Callahan. Ben took one more glance at the front door before softly climbing the dark pine of the staircase. He had gone back and forth with himself about what needed to be done with Gertie and her behavior today in town, but his many years of raising his three sons he knew what needed to be done. With his headed held high he walked the Egyptian red carpet runner down to the guest room that Gertie was occupying for the time. He approached the door with much confidence and gave a heavy knock. Before allowing the little girl to give permission to enter, Ben let himself in. As he entered the room he was greeted with nothing but silence. Ben carefully shut the door behind him and scuffed his feet against the spit shiny floor towards the right side of the bed where he caught a glimpse of a very frighten young girl sitting stiffly with her hands folded in her lap. Her eyes looked glazed over with fear while looking out the window at a sailor's delight sun set. Ben knew that Gertie was aware of his presence but she still said nothing. Ben settled himself down on the edge of the bed beside the girl. The bed gave a small groan from the weight of the older man. Gertie still didn't acknowledge Ben's presence, even though she was well aware of it. Ben couldn't resist capturing the beautiful skies outside, but he knew what needed to be done. Might as well get this out of the way, though he knew the results was not going to win him any points with the little girl. He gave a short, deep clear of the throat and was about to start in on his speech. "Gertrude…"

The little girl didn't move any but kept her gaze on the window. "There's no need for small talk Mr. Cartwright. I know what you've come to do. So just let me have it." The voice spoke with absolutely no emotion which caught Ben of guard.

"Now Gertie, you have no idea what I have come up here to do." He stopped himself and turned his head so that he was now looking straight at the girl. "I think you know very well that your behavior in town was not acceptable and there needs to be a consequence for it, because if you are living under my roof I cannot tolerate any such behavior from members of my family. You will respect my rules and expectations."

"Well, I guess that's where you are wrong Mr. Cartwright."

"Excuse me?" Ben's voice raised a notch from being told that he was wrong.

"See Mr. Cartwright, Ephraim and I are not members of your family. I've heard with my own ears you making many comments referring to us as your guests, not your family, so I guess that respecting your rules and expectations don't apply to me." Gertie still had not yet made any attempt to make eye contact with the older gentlemen.

Ben was utterly shocked by the way this little girl was speaking to him. He would never allow this type of talk from any of his boys or from even his ranch hands and he surely wasn't going to allow it from a seven year old child. He roughly grabbed the little girl's shoulders and turned her towards him so that they were eye to eye for the first time since he had entered the room. "You hear this Gertrude, as far as I am concern you are part of my family until we can connect you with your real family. And until then you will obey my rules and with respect them! And seeing you have shamed yourself in public, and have shamed me, I feel that in order for this behavior to not repeat itself I think a fair consequence is needed."

"And I feel that it isn't needed!" Gertie tried to wiggle free from Ben's strong hold, but the child only got a firmer grip from her shoulders down to her upper arms.

"Gertrude, you are making this absolutely more difficult than it needs to be." Ben's voice was so stern and forceful that Gertie stopped her struggle for a moment and locked eyes with the man.

"You're not my Father! You have no right!"

Ben now noticed the fear in the child's eyes had now switched to pure anger. He had seen this in his own son, Adam's eyes many a times during a discipline before. He knew this look all too well. He also knew that before he applied any discipline he needed to calm those fiery eyes. Ben took a big breath and tried to lower his voice and respond to the child. "No, I'm not your Father, and I'm not trying to replace him. But honestly Gertie, do you think that your Father would let something like this go without discipline?" The girl's eye darted down to her feet knowing the answer but didn't want to give Ben any edge to work off of. "Gertie, I knew your Father better than anyone and I know that he would be very disappointed to see this behavior from his little girl. You know you were wrong. I know you do. And tell me Gertie what would he have done about it?" Ben knew he had the little girl but wanted to hear it from her first. He thought it would be better if she spoke first of the discipline. The little girl had been so strong with her emotions but Ben could start to see her eyes watering up, but a tear hadn't dropped yet. "Gertie, what would of your Papa have done?"

Gertie throat constricted and she could feel a lump starting to crawl up. She took a deep breath and tried to push that lump down. She pulled her head up and cleared her throat and spoke with confidence. "He would take us out to woodshed Mr. Cartwright. Are we going to the woodshed?"

Ben shook his head. "No, no. I think we can do it right here."

"But everyone will hear!" Gertie shouted with anger. She would rather go out to the woodshed to avoid the humiliation.

"Well, we could go out to the barn, but the boys are out there finishing their chores. So yes, they'll hear. It's your choice. We can stay in here and get it over and done with or, we could go out in the barn where the boys will surely hear." When Gertie didn't answer Ben asked again. "Here or the barn?"

"Here." Gertie's voice was barely a whisper. Ben pulled her close to him as he did so he spoke softly.

"Please know Gertie, I'm doing this to remind you of your behavior. I'm not trying to do it to scare you, or make you dislike me, but to guide you in the right direction." Gertie didn't have a response so Ben slowly applied pressure on the mid of her back and pushed her over his right knee. He flipped her dress and slip up over her lower back. "I'm sorry I have to do this, but you leave me no other choice with your behavior and attitude young lady." Gertie tried to brace herself by tensing up her whole body, but she was not truly prepared for Ben's heavy hand. Ben started in with what he thought was a light, gentle spank, but Gertie reaction told him otherwise. After his hand landed it's first hit, Gertie tried to pull away, but it only made him move his hand from her lower back to around her waist. "Gertie, don't fight me on this. It will only get worse if you do child." Gertie didn't respond. She only tried to brace herself by trying to wrap her arms onto the footboard of the bed. Ben struck again landing another heavy hit to Getie's bottom. After the second hit Ben got into a rhythm. He had landed seven spanks before he could hear Gertie choking back tears. He knew he needed to land a few more hard and heavy ones to her sit spot before this was going to be done with. When he was on the ninth he could feel a wet spot on his right pant leg. He could tell by Gertie's laboring breathing and the rattle of her body that she had about enough before breaking down completely. "Just one more Gertie, then we'll be done. I promise." Gertie still didn't muffle a word. Ben went high and strong with the last hit. But once he was done he let her know. "You did good Gertie, I'm proud of you for taking it so well." He gently helped pull the little girl back up from over his knee. As he did so he kindly lowered her slip and dress. He could tell that the little girl was in much pain, but he couldn't believe that she wasn't pitching a fit or melting down she was just silently trying to hold her he pain and hurt. Ben went to try to swipe some of her loose tears but Gertie quickly moved away from him. "Come, child. It's over now." Ben got up from the bed and tried to embrace the child to let her know that it was over and done with and that Ben had no hard feelings between the two, but Gertie just pushed Ben away.

"I don't need your comfort!" Gertie hissed as Ben tried to approach her.

"Oh, but I think you do." Ben tried again but Gertie darted into the corner of the room where she crouched down and tried to hide herself from the man. Ben tried to keep his distance but spoke to her like he was speaking to a spooked horse. "Gertie, honey, please." Ben watched as the little girl trembled in the corner. He gave her a minute but she still didn't respond. Ben moved down to her level and touched her arm and started to rub it. But Gertie only pulled further away, trying to wrap herself tighter in a ball than she already was. Just when Ben was to speak again there was a knock on the door. Without warning, Hoss entered.

"Sorry to interrupt Pa, but I think you need to come check on something." Ben gave Hoss a hesitant look but then turned his attention back to Gertie. He tried to rub her arm again but when the child withdrew further into the corner than he thought was possible he knew this was a good time to leave with Hoss. As he got up to leave he pulled the child's nightgown off the hook and placed it on the bed.

"Gertie, when you're ready I have a nightshirt here. I want you to go straight to bed and reflect on what happened." Ben took one last look before exiting the room. Hoss shut the door and nudged his father down the hall a bit. "Well, what is it Son?" Ben finally asked.

"It's Ephraim, Pa."