The Rescue

By JoeC

Joe and Hoss drove to the logging camp. The cart, loaded with food and cases of alcohol, rattled behind them.

“Slow down, Joe. The road is slippery after the rain.” Joe didn’t need a warning. He had noticed several times that the buckboard’s rear wheels were slipping on the trail.

“Yeah, feels like they’re covered in soap.” Keeping focused, Joe led the team around the next corner. From then on, the way to the camp became better. The rocky ground made driving easier.

When they reached the camp, Hoss and Joe could already hear the excited voices of the workers. They had worked hard to complete the job, and the final day had come. Celebration Day. The brothers were proud of their achievements and looked forward to toasting the men to celebrate their success.

Loud cheers greeted them as they descended from the buckboard.

“What’s in the wagon, Hoss?” The workers’ spirits rose with expectation.

“Hop Sing outdid himself when he heard you finished two days ahead of schedule. Chicken, chops, and biscuits are on the back of the buckboard. You will also find a special box under the seat.” A wide smile and a wink from Hoss was met with exuberant cheers and enthusiastic whistles. The weeks in the camp without alcohol ended today, and they knew what was under the seat. A case of whiskey to wash down all the dirt and that food.

While Joe and Hoss settled for a drink at the camp, they informed the workers about an upcoming job at Diamond Peak. The workers burst into laughter because the wages by the Cartwrights were fair, and they were good employees and looked after their men.

As Joe sat between the men, he felt a deep contentment. They all did a great job. With a satisfied grin, Joe let the golden liquid run down his throat. He felt a slight burn and the pleasant warmth that the alcohol created. He would have liked to have stayed longer, but Hoss urged them to leave. With all this rain, the road will be worse.” Joe agreed with his brother, and Hoss took the wagon’s reins.

After some time, they had successfully mastered the most difficult sections of the path. At this point, their only job was to maneuver safely around a curve, and then the path to the nearby ranch house would be clear of obstacles. Hoss kept the team at a steady pace, away from the cliff edge. He was one of the best drivers out there, but with the road, this treacherous is paid to be vigilant. Joe gripped the seat of the wagon, watching out for any sign of slippage. Ready to give a warning.

At that moment, the brothers heard a low rumbling sound. Small rocks were rolling down from the upper part of the slope behind them.

“It’s a landslide!” Joe had just yelled that warning when the first rocks began to fall on the buckboard. Before Joe could fully comprehend the situation, a massive boulder crashed onto the rear of the buckboard. Wood splintered in all directions.

Hoss pulled hard on the reins to prevent the horses from bolting and going over the cliff. His grip on the reins tightened as a jarring impact jolted his back. Hoss cried out as a hefty sideboard crashed into him.

Joe wasn’t spared either, though his fate was less forgiving. The collision obliterated the wagon’s rear and tilted the wreckage to one side. The force of the board striking Joe’s arm propelled him out of his seat.

Amidst the chaos of struggling with the remnants of the wagon and the horses’ fearful whinnies, Hoss watched in horror as his younger brother vanished into the abyss. Hoss brought the horses to a halt. His immediate priority was to secure the animals. He cast a horrified glance at the wreckage of the buckboard. Panic seized the tall man.

“Joe, Joe, where are you?” Hoss ran back, and his heart began to race as he thought of Joe falling into the abyss. Over and over, Hoss shouted his brother’s name. He knew getting too close to the edge was dangerous, and small stones still rolled down the slope. Despite the risk, Hoss lay on the ground to peer into the depths below. On the one hand, he felt relieved not to see his little brother’s broken body at the bottom of the cliff, but he kept screaming Joe’s name in panic.

***

Joe suddenly felt a sharp impact against his back, causing him to jolt forward in his seat. At the same time, he slid sideways off the wagon and plummeted into the chasm below. He tried to shield his head with his arms as he descended.

His body came into contact with a hard surface beneath him, but he hesitated to make sudden movements. He realized that he hadn’t plummeted into the maw. Something had halted his fall. Joe’s gaze settled on a stout branch adorned with smaller twigs, leaves still clinging to them, which had acted as a buffer against his fall, redirecting him towards the rocky surface.

“Damn, tree saved my life.” Relieved, he turned onto his back. At that moment, pain surged through him, and Joe’s distress found voice in a scream.

“Hell,” Joe muttered through clenched teeth as he gazed at his leg. The pain he was experiencing emanated from his foot. Before Joe could even confirm whether he had injured his leg or foot, he heard Hoss shouting.

“I’m fine, Hoss. I think I sprained my foot.”

“I can’t see you from up here, Joe. The cliff juts out too far. Can you guide me on how to reach you?”

“You can’t approach from above. The edge could go at any moment.”

The strain in his brother’s voice sent a ripple of concern through Hoss.

“Hold tight, Joe! I’m going to fetch help.”

***

Joe held a firm conviction that Hoss would arrange for assistance and would return soon.

Joe’s gaze shifted to the ledge’s edge. Dread of heights clenched his heart. His breath grew uneven, and dizziness set in. Joe propelled himself toward the rock face, pressing his back against the stone wall. His hands started trembling, and he broke out into a sweat. Intense fear seized Joe, and his entire body began to freeze.

***

“Pa! Pa!” Hoss called as he entered the house.

Ben looked up from his books when Hoss crashed through the door.

“What’s happened?”

“There’s been an accident. Joe fell from a cliff. His legs hurt, and he’s stuck on a ledge.”

Ben threw down his pencil and headed for the door.

“Are you all right, Hoss?”

Only at this point did Hoss become aware of the ache in his back. Yet, it wasn’t severe enough to hinder his movement.

“I’m fine, Pa. Tomorrow, I might have a few bruises.”

Relieved, Ben called out to the men.”

They drove a buckboard into the small canyon, as Hoss had recommended, ladders, wooden boards, blankets, and ropes had been loaded. 

Ben ran to the bottom of the slope and called.

“Joe! Joe! Can you hear me?”

“I’m here, Pa!”

“We’ll come to you, Joe. Hang on!”

“Any thoughts on how to get him down from there?”

Adam dashed to one side of the incline, assessing the optimal route to ascend to his brother.

“Joe, is there a small trail that leads to you?”

“Yes, a narrow path, but I can’t vouch for its stability.”

“Could you walk this path?”

“No, I can’t walk.”

“Can you crawl?”

“No, Adam, I’m hurt.”

Adam conferred with the others about Joe’s rescue plan.

“Pa, first, I will examine the trail by myself.”

As Adam ascended the ladder, the only item he carried was a long rope. Adjacent to the ladder was a broader ledge that led to Joe on a narrow and uphill path. Positioned with his back against the rock face, Adam proceeded to ascend the path.

***

The tension that enveloped Joe didn’t hinder him from experiencing an acute ache in his foot. It seemed as if numerous needles were piercing his leg. The pain intensified as his swelling foot pressed against his boot. That wasn’t a normal sprain.

Before Joe could delve into more profound thoughts, he heard Adam’s voice.  With surprise, Joe witnessed Adam’s anxious countenance coming into view.

“Hey, do you need help?” Adam grinned at his brother.

Joe managed a feeble chuckle but winced due to the pain.

Adam’s brow furrowed as he examined Joe’s leg, his touch cautious and deliberate. The swollen area above Joe’s boot was tender to the touch. Joe’s pained groan sent a concerned expression across Adam’s face.

“I’m sorry, Joe,” withdrawing his Hand.

“I know it hurts, and I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but I fear you might have a broken foot.”

” Ya think?” Joe’s sarcastic comment hung in the air for a moment, met with silence from Adam. Gripping onto the rock face, Adam leaned over the edge of the slope to see the men below.

“Hey, Hoss. I’m going to lower the rope now. Attach the thicker rope to it, and then I’ll start pulling up the other supplies.”

As Adam began to retrieve the necessary items, smaller rocks dislodged from under him, threatening those below. Everyone moved to avoid any potential danger.

“Pa, using the rope to lower Joe might not be the best idea. The falling rocks could cause more harm. We’ll have to place Joe on a blanket and pull him along the path. There’s not enough room for a hurdle, and this seems the safest way to get him out of here.”

“Are you out of your mind? If you drag me, every movement will hurt me more.”

” I understand your concern, but we’re left with limited options.”

“You’re the family smart ass, so come up with a damn solution.”

Adam stared at his brother, amazed at the unexpected sharp retort, yet he grasped the intensity of Joe’s suffering.

“Take off your jacket. I will need it to stabilize your foot.

“If you touch my leg, then… then…” His gaze was fixed on Adam’s hands as they moved closer to his injured leg.

“I don’t have any other options. We need to do this. I promise, I’ll be as gentle as possible.”

Beads of sweat formed on Joe’s forehead, a testament to his inner struggle to stifle his screams. The pain surged with each wrap of the bandage and placement of a splint.

***

“Hoss, I’m going up. Make sure the ladder is secure and ready for us to lower Joe down safely,” Ben instructed, his tone grave, as he prepared for their risky rescue mission.

Ben began his ascent up the ladder. He followed the trail Adam had marked, every heartbeat amplifying the urgency of their mission.

After what felt like an eternity, Ben finally reached his sons.

“Is Joe all right?” Ben inquired with a worried look.

“Pa’s here, Joe.” Adam exchanged a glance with Ben.

Joe felt his father’s hand on his shoulder, a silent reassurance that provided more solace than words ever could. Despite the intense pain throbbing in his leg, Joe’s heart swelled with gratitude, aware that his family stood by him in this trying ordeal.

With utmost care, Adam and Ben arranged Joe on the blanket. As the pain surged, Joe recognized the value of the splint – an uncomfortable but necessary measure that would aid his journey to safety.

A small landing bridged the gap between the narrow path and the platform where Joe lay. Standing on the path, Ben lifted the blanket and backed sideways until Adam was on his heel. He grabbed the foot end of the blanket. For Joe, it was as if he would be lying in a hammock.

“I know, Joe, it’s going to hurt again, but I have to lower the blanket now,” Adam said with a heavy heart. Furthermore, he secured Joe’s jacket around the splintered area and managed to support the injured foot.

With each tug that Ben exerted, Joe could feel the rough ground against his backside. Every jolt on the path, every stone pressing into him. As Joe raised his head and peered into the depths below, fear once again gripped him. His mind conjured up vivid images of himself plummeting into the endless void, his heart racing at the thought. The sensation of dizziness overcame him, making his head spin. Instinctively, he tried to press his body closer to the rugged surface of the cliff.

“Joe, stop! It would be best if you stayed still.” Adam’s shout jolted Joe out of his panicked state.

“Easy now, Joe. We’ve got you. Trust us.” Ben said, his tone soothing.

Adam’s firm grip on the blanket remained steady, his attention on Joe’s position.

“You’re safe, Joe. Just keep your focus on me. We’re here to guide you through.”

Joe’s breaths were rapid, his heart racing in his chest. He forced himself to look at Adam’s eyes, drawing strength from the unwavering determination he saw there. To calm himself, Joe gripped the blanket with both hands. A sense of safety enveloped him as his fingers tightened around the fabric. The tactile connection to the blanket, combined with the unwavering presence of his family, grounded him amid his fears.

For the next few minutes, tension hung in the air as they walked the path.

“It’s working, Adam!” Joe’s voice resonated with delight and newfound confidence.

 “Pa, count yourself lucky it wasn’t Hoss who took the tumble.” Laughter bubbled from him, offering a brief but much-needed respite from the intense tension gripping them all.

“Joe, there’s going to be some discomfort as we lower you down the ladder,” Ben said.

With the same resolve they had displayed earlier, Ben and Adam guided Joe down the ladder.

On solid ground, Hoss enveloped Joe in his strong arms. With sure and careful steps, he carried Joe to the waiting wagon.

***

Before nightfall, Dr. Martin arrived at the ranch. As usual, he carried out his duties with routine precision.

“Joe, you must remain in bed for the next four weeks. It’s crucial to prevent the bone in your foot from healing improperly,” explained Doc Martin.

“But, Doc, four weeks confined to bed?” Joe’s protest was feeble, yet the doctor’s unwavering response eroded his resistance.

“It’s a choice between four weeks in bed now or a potentially crippled foot for life, Joe.”

Joe yielded, understanding the gravity of the situation and the importance of adhering to the prescribed course of recovery. Stuck on that ledge, Joe had been consumed by pain and the fear of falling.  Now he was hit with the possibility of being a cripple. For a brief moment, Joe saw himself standing at the edge of the corral. Others were now breaking the horses. He stood there, playing the role of a spectator with a crutch in hand. Joe shook his head. He didn’t want a future like that for himself.

“All right, Doc, I’ll behave myself. And what about after those four weeks?” Joe asked.

“After four weeks, you’ll be given crutches, and you can start moving around a bit, but you must avoid putting any weight on your foot. This phase will last for another three weeks, but after that, you should make a full recovery.”

Joe sighed, lay his head back on the pillow, and closed his eyes, letting the relief wash over him.

Seeing Joe confined to his bed, unable to engage in the usual activities, was a difficult adjustment for everyone. His restless spirit and boundless enthusiasm were part of what defined him.

“It’s like being penalized for something that ain’t our doing,” Hoss murmured, voicing the collective sentiment of the entire family. The prospect of keeping Joe confined to bed for weeks was a challenge they would all face together.

The End
August 2023