It didn't take Josiah, Chris, Ezra and Vin long to get to town. Four Corners was only a twenty-minute ride from the ranch house. No one knew what had happened or how hurt Buck or JD may be, so they all rode faster than usual. Vin had finally settled down and would have fallen asleep if they hadn't been moving so fast.

Upon entering town, Chris headed directly to Doctor Zielinski's clinic. All three stopped and dismounted with Chris helping Vin.

"Josiah? Why don't you head over to Mary's and check on JD. If he's okay, bring him back here. Boys..." Chris turned to Vin and Ezra. "Go with Josiah."

"Can I go with you Chris?" Vin asked softly.

"No Vin. You go with Josiah and come back with him."

"Please." Vin whispered.

Josiah tapped Chris' shoulder to get his attention. Chris smiled. "I know Josiah." Chris squatted in front of Vin. "Vin. I need you to go check on JD. He needs you right now. Then you can come back here and see Buck, okay?"

"But I want to stay with you. Please?"

"No Vin." Chris didn't know what condition Buck was in and didn't want Vin to see Buck yet. He saw Vin start to cry and made a mental note to get the boys to bed early tonight. Chris hugged Vin and spoke softly, "Go with Josiah and Ezra and bring JD back please."

Josiah decided to help Chris out. "Come on Junior. We'll go get JD and then come see Buck." Josiah took Vin's hand and pried him away from Chris. Once Vin was freed from Chris, Josiah scooped him up into his arms. Chris smiled his thanks and headed for the clinic, as Josiah, Ezra and Vin headed for the Clarion.

Mary observed Chris' arrival and turned back toward where JD was asleep. The boy was so upset over Buck, that he had finally cried himself to sleep. JD looked all of three years old when sleeping and Mary mused, //less trouble//.

Mary turned at the sound of the bell over the front door. She heard Josiah's deep voice soothing Vin who was crying softly. She smiled at the threesome as she greeted them.

"Josiah. Ezra. What's wrong with Vin?"

"Just tired ma'am. How's JD?"

"He's fine Josiah. He's currently asleep. He was so upset."

"What happened?" Josiah asked as he set Vin down and walked over to JD as he slept. He sat down on the bed's edge and pushed the hair off JD's forehead.

"From what the Sheriff told me, Buck and JD were headed out of the bank when two men came in with guns demanding the money. Buck pushed JD out of harms way and shot both men." Mary paused.

"Then?"

"I guess one of the outlaws got in a lucky shot and Buck took a bullet. He was awake and trying to calm JD when Dr. Z showed up and asked me to watch JD. He screamed and fought the sheriff the whole way. He was just worried about Buck."

"Was he hurt bad? Buck I mean."

"Well, Doc said he was aware and it appeared to be a shoulder wound. Could be fine but I haven't heard anything yet. I didn't want to check with JD. I'm glad he finally fell asleep."

"Josiah?" Vin whispered.

Josiah turned to Vin and Ezra. "What Vin?"

"JD gonna be okay?"

"Yes Vin. He's just sleeping."

"Can we go see Chris and Buck now?"

Josiah thought for a minute then turned back to Mary. "Mary? Would it be a problem to watch JD for a little longer?"

"No problem at all why?"

"We're planning on staying at the hotel tonight to stay near Buck. I'd like to go over and check in before we go see Buck."

"No problem Josiah."

"Josiah. I want to go see Buck and Chris. Chris said to bring JD over." Vin whined.

"It won't take too long to check in and then head over to the clinic. It will be easier with JD asleep."

"But..." Vin started.

"No buts Vin. Let's go check in and then we will get JD and check on Buck."

Vin started to cry again. Josiah decided to ignore the tantrum and took Vin's hand. Vin struggled to get his hand free.

"Vin. I will say this only once. Stop fighting me or I will spank you. We will see Chris soon enough." Josiah immediately felt Vin stop struggling. He knew the boy was still crying, but that couldn't be helped.

"Mary. We'll be back for JD in less then a half an hour."

"Okay Josiah. He should sleep that long at least."

"We'll be back." Josiah took Vin and headed out toward the hotel. Ezra followed.

Chris entered the clinic and was immediately drawn to the figure in the bed. Buck had his eyes closed and was awful pale. He had a bandage on his left shoulder. Nathan saw him enter and let him come over to the bed.

"How is he Nate? Where's the Doc?"

"Buck's fine and Dr. Z went to get some broth for when Buck wakes again. He was lucky Chris. The bullet went straight through and only messed up the muscle. It didn't hit any bones."

"Call... this... luck...y?" Buck groaned.

Chris smiled. "Hey brother. You tryin' to give me grey hairs?"

"Got... Vin... for... that."

"Ain't that the truth. Now I know how come Pa was grey for most of my life."

Buck groaned. "Don't... make... laugh."

"Sorry Buck. How ya feeling?"

"Like... I... been... shot." Buck took a couple shallow breaths. "How's... JD?"

Nate answered. "He wasn't hurt. Pretty scared but no bullet holes. He's over ta Ms. Travis'."

"Good." Buck closed his eyes and drifted back to sleep. Nate motioned for Chris to follow him out onto the balcony.

"What'd the doctor say Nate?"

"He'll be fine. He'll be sore for awhile but he'll recover."

Chris sighed. Buck was gonna be okay.

Both brothers stood in silence for a few minutes. Chris finally turned to Nate and asked, "Nathan? Whose week was it to clean the tack room?"

Nathan looked down. He knew he was neglecting his chores, but working with Dr. Z was what he really loved. "It's my week. I haven't gotten around to doing the tack room yet."

"Nate. I spent half of the morning waiting for Ezra and Josiah to untangle the blinders that I needed to work with that devil horse."

"Peso?"

"Yes. Had the tack room been cleaned or tidied everyday, I wouldn't have lost all that time."

"I'm sorry Chris. I'll do it as soon as we get home."

"Nathan. I told you, you could work with Dr. Z after chores were done. I also said that chores came first. Not when you get around to them."

Nathan was quiet. He knew what Chris was saying was true.

"I think you need to let the Doc know he's on his own for the next two weeks."

"Two weeks? Please Chris."

"You'll be plenty busy. You can help Ezra and Vin with their chores and someone is going to have to help out with Buck's. You have neglected your ranch chores long enough. Understood?" Chris looked right at Nathan.

"Yes sir." Nate wasn't happy.

"Good. When Josiah comes back with your brothers you can go back to the hotel room with Vin, JD and Ezra and watch your brothers. Josiah and I will follow with dinner. You also need to let the doc know. When's he coming back?"

"There he is now. I really am sorry Chris. Can't I just do extra chores or something?"

"The punishment stands Nathan. I expect your chores to be done to the proper standards or we will be having a more serious talk in the barn. Understood?"

"Yes sir."

Doctor Zielinski noticed the sad face of his young assistant and Chris. "Ah Christopher. Did Nathan tell you about Bucklin?"

"Yeah Doc. I'm glad he'll be okay. When can we take him home?"

"Give him over night. If he doesn't get a fever by lunchtime tomorrow, I'll let you take him home. He'll have to ride in a wagon though."

"No problem Doc. The rest of us will be staying at the hotel tonight. I'll get everyone settled and Josiah and I can sit with him and give you a break." Chris looked at Nathan and motioned for him to tell the Doc what Chris had said.

"I'm going to check on my patient."

"Doc? Can I talk to you?"

"Sure Nathan. Come on inside." Nathan looked at Chris for permission and Chris nodded his okay. Nathan and Dr. Z entered the clinic. Chris looked out over Four Corners and noticed Josiah leading a very upset Vin by the hand. Ezra was lagging behind. He waved at Josiah when he noticed JD wasn't with them. As they got closer, Chris could hear Vin crying.

"Josiah!"

"Hey Chris. How's Buck?"

"He's gonna be fine. Where's JD?"

"Sleeping at Mary's. I thought we could check into the hotel and then I would wake him up. We'll be up after that."

"What's wrong with Vin?"

"Same thing."

"Same thing?"

Vin tried to stop crying, but it didn't work. Chris took pity on him and smiled. "Josiah? Why don't you leave Vin with me? You take Ezra and get us three rooms."

"Be my guest." Josiah released Vin's hand. Vin immediately ran up to Chris. He paused at the top of the step to gage if Chris was angry or not. Chris just smiled and opened his arms to Vin. Vin let Chris scoop him up and he snuggled into Chris' arms.

"Chris?"

"Yeah Josiah?"

"Was Nate with the Doc?"

"Yep. He was also the one who was supposed to have done the tack room. He'll be staying home and picking up the slack for the next two weeks."

"Bet he didn't like that?"

"Nope. Don't reckon he did."

Nathan came out onto the balcony and smiled at Vin. He ruffled Vin's hair and said, "Hey little brother. You okay?"

Vin just nodded.

"He's tired. I think everyone is going to bed early tonight." Chris turned to Nathan. "Did you talk to the Doc?"

"Yeah. He understood. I really am sorry."

"I know. I'll forgive ya." Chris turned back to Josiah. "Josiah. When you're done, I'll let Nathan and Ezra watch Vin and JD, and we can get them settled with dinner then bed."

"Sounds heavenly." Josiah laughed as he walked toward the hotel.

Chris carried Vin in to see Buck. Buck woke up long enough to eat some broth and say hi to Vin. The rest of the family finally made an appearance after Josiah got JD from Ms. Travis'. JD was still sleepy and crying until he saw Buck. Everyone was glad that JD wasn't hurt and that Buck would recover. By the time the Doc was ready to throw them all out, Chris was ready to shoot several brothers who were over tired. He called it time for supper and bed.

Everyone said good-bye to Buck and left. Chris lagged behind to speak with the Doc. Vin was asleep in his shoulder so he handed him off to Josiah. Vin woke and protested but was quickly dozing again on Josiah by the time they were out the door.

"Doc, I'm sorry about Nathan. I hope this doesn't mess your schedule up any."

"Don't worry about it Christopher. I wasn't aware Nathan was neglecting his chores or I would have put a stop to his visits. He is a very smart boy, but I understand he has other responsibilities."

"I'm glad you understand. I know Nathan does. I didn't tell him, but it will be longer than two weeks. Josiah and I have been planning to take the boys camping in two weeks. We'll be gone for about a week."

"Sounds good. Nathan needs to learn to relax anyway. He's too serious for a boy his age."

"He had a tough life before he came to live with us. I'm glad he's here now and can learn to relax some."

"It is good." Doc walked over to Buck and checked him real quick. "I will see you all tomorrow then?"

"I may come back after the boys are asleep."

"You know you're welcome."

"Thanks Doc." Chris stood by Buck and smiled.

"Hey stud." Buck said.

"You're supposed to be asleep."

"Was until you and the Doc started yammering."

"Well go back to sleep. I'm gonna get the boys some Supper and put them all to bed. I'll be back."

"Okay. I'll be here."

"You better be. No chasing any of the ladies."

"They do love a hero."

"Ha! I can see we're gonna have to pop your inflated ego again."

"You love me."

"Yes I do Little Brother."

"Yer just jealous."

"Could be. I'll see you later Buck."

"See ya."

Chris left to settle the rest of the family with some food and sleep. Then he was going to the saloon and get a strong drink.

Upon approaching the hotel rooms, Chris could hear Vin and JD whining. Counting to ten and taking a couple deep breaths, Chris entered the middle room. Josiah had managed to get three rooms that were all connected by inner doors. The middle room would become the central area of activity. He entered to find Vin sitting in a chair with his arms crossed, pouting. Josiah was holding JD as he cried and Ezra and Nathan were washing up for supper.

"Whose hungry?" Chris asked. He didn't even want to know what was wrong.

"Everyone." Josiah answered with a sigh. "Then they're ALL going to bed."

Chris laughed. "Sounds like a plan. My question is, can you all behave properly if we go down to the dining room or should I just have the food brought up here?"

Everyone but JD and Vin agreed to behave. Josiah calmed JD down enough to get him to agree to stop crying and eat. He was still upset about Buck. Vin was still pouting.

"Vin? What about you?" Chris asked.

"Can I sit next to you?" He said in a small voice.

Chris ruffled his hair and smiled. "Yes, you can." Vin smiled and walked over to get washed up for supper.

Chris stood and addressed Josiah. "I'll go downstairs and let them know the six of us will need a table."

"I think you need to take Vin with you. We'll be right behind you."

"Okay." Chris turned to Vin. "Let's go Cowboy." Vin took Chris' hand and they headed for the dining room.

Supper wasn't over fast enough for Chris and Josiah. With the check paid, everyone headed for bed. Chris took an outer room and put Vin in his bed.

"Chris?"

"Yeah Cowboy?" Chris sat down on the bed next to Vin.

"I'm sorry I's tried yer patience today."

"I'm sorry too Vin. I didn't realize you thought I was sending you away. I would never do that Little brother. Pa would come back from the grave and tan my hide if I did. I love you and will never send you away. We're family and family stay together. Okay?"

"Yeah. I love you too Chris."

"Good. Now go to sleep. I'll be in after I check on Buck one more time. You won't be alone because everyone else is in bed too. If you need something, just find Nate. He'll be in the middle room. Okay?"

"Yeah." Vin snuggled under the covers and immediately fell asleep. Chris slowly went out to check on everyone else before he headed up to see Buck, via the saloon.

"'Siah?"

"Yeah JD?" Josiah tucked the covers around JD tightly.

"I's so scart that Buck was gonna go where mama and papa went."

"I know JD, but he's going to be just fine. Tomorrow we'll take him home and you can help him get better, okay?"

"Okay."

Chris entered the middle room to see Josiah tucking in JD. "One down." He walked over to JD and kissed his forehead. "Night Sprout. Nathan is sleeping with you so if you need anything, just wake him up okay?"

"'Kay." JD snuggled down and was out before Josiah and Chris were out of the room.

"I'm sorry Nate."

"Don't worry about it Ez. It was my own fault. I should have done it sooner."

"I tried to get the blinders untangled quickly so that Josiah wouldn't notice but it took too long."

"I appreciate you trying to cover for me little brother, but I deserved what Chris handed down."

"Nathan. We're going to have to teach you how to relax and cut loose. Maybe while we're camping, we'll help you."

"Camping? When are we doing that?"

"Couple of weeks from what I heard."

"Eavesdropping again Ezra?"

Both boys turned around to see Josiah with his arms crossed over his chest. Chris was right behind him.

"No. It was purely innocent how I found out."

"How?"

"You and Chris were talking in the barn and I was in the loft. I couldn't get down without you seeing me and so I didn't have much choice but to over hear your plans."

Josiah thought for a minute. "You could have made yourself known. What were you doing that you didn't want to be seen?"

Ezra hesitated.

"Well?"

"I can't tell you." Ezra looked to Chris for help. Chris smiled his understanding. Chris knew Ezra was working on a birthday present for Josiah up in the loft. Everyone knew about it, except Josiah.

"It's okay Josiah. He wasn't doing anything wrong. Trust me."

Josiah looked at Chris and then to Nate and Ezra. //They know something//

"Fine, but you shouldn't be telling anyone about camping. We were trying to keep it quiet so that JD and Vin don't drive us all nuts about it for the next two weeks. We'll tell them a few days before we go."

"I guess I need to let the doc know it'll be longer than two weeks." Nathan said sadly.

Chris said, "He already knows. He said you need to learn not to be so serious all the time and that camping will be good for you."

Ezra slipped into bed hoping everyone would ignore him. Josiah nudged Chris knowing exactly what Ezra was doing.

"Nate. JD and Vin are asleep." Josiah turned to Ezra. "Ezra won't be far behind."

"I get the hint." Ezra smiled and snuggled under the blankets. Josiah kissed him goodnight and told him that Nate would be in the middle room and that he was going to check on Buck, then be in.

"Okay. Good night Josiah."

Nathan followed Chris and Josiah out to the middle room, where JD was snoring softly.

"Nate, Josiah and I are going to go check on Buck, then we'll be back. You can stay up and wait if you want, or you can go to sleep. The boys know to come get you if they need anything. Ez should be asleep soon and it should stay quiet. If you have any problems, wake Ezra and send him for us at the clinic. Okay?"

"Yeah. We'll be fine. Go ahead."

"Okay then. Let's go Josiah."

Chris and Josiah headed for the clinic, via the saloon.

"I need a drink."

"Josiah, I think you're getting old. I deal with those boys almost daily. I don't know how pa did it."

"The same way I do. I leave them to you like pa use to do to JD's mama. Until she died at least."

"True. I don't remember a lot of that time."

"How could you? You were trying to drown yourself in the bottom of a whiskey bottle."

"Would have too if Buck hadn't been the voice of reason. Him and pa."

"You know how many times Buck took a strapping before he confessed why he was in the saloon all those times?"

"Really? Why didn't he just tell pa?"

"He was afraid that pa would take that same strap to you to wake you up. He was wrong though. Pa was very understanding."

"He knew tragedy seven times more than I did. He lost seven loves. I only lost two."

"Still doesn't make you feel better though. We all miss Sarah and little Adam."

"I know." Chris downed a shot and smiled at Josiah. "We should probably go check on Buck and get back to the boys. They all fell asleep early, so they will be up with the sun."

"All but Nate and Ezra."

"Ezra's in bed." Chris frowned at the knowing look Josiah was giving him. "What?"

"Ezra went to 'sleep' without an argument. What should that tell you?"

"It would be wrong to assume, he was tired?"

"We interrupted something when Nate and Ezra were talking. I would bet, we will find them talking when we get back."

"You're on. Loser buys breakfast for the family."

"Deal." They both shook as they entered the clinic.

The visit with Buck was short. Buck assured them that he didn't need a babysitter and that the youngins did. Chris and Josiah said good-bye and walked back to the hotel. They were quiet as they approached the middle room to see who would win the bet. As they got close enough, they heard Nate and Ezra whispering softly.

Chris sighed and moved away from the door. He cleared his throat loud enough to let Ezra and Nate know they were back. Normally, he would be upset, especially if he lost a bet, but it was good to see Ezra and Nathan talking like brothers and not fighting like enemies. Both boys brought quite a bit of emotional baggage with them when pa rescued them.

Josiah and Chris heard the quiet scramble as they approached the door. They took longer than usual to unlocked the door and entered to see Nathan pretending to read a book.

"Everything quiet Nate?" Chris asked.

"Yep. Everyone's in bed."

//Not a lie, completely// "Well, I'm beat. Those boys will be up at the crack of dawn so I'm heading to bed."

"Night Chris." Josiah and Nathan said.

"Nate, go ahead and hit the sack and I'll turn out the lamps." Josiah said.

"Okay." Nathan got into bed and JD immediately snuggled up to him. Josiah heard a content sigh and blew out the lamps.

"Night Nate."

"Good night Josiah."

Josiah got ready for bed quietly, knowing Ezra was still awake but was just playing possum. He slid under the blankets and turned to look at Ezra's back.

"It's good to see you and Nate talking instead of arguing." Josiah waited and when he saw Ezra's back move in a sigh he smiled.

"What gave me away?" Ezra said without turning around.

"Come on Ez. You went to bed to quickly and we heard you two talking." Josiah waited.

"Are you mad?"

"No." Ezra turned around to look at Josiah. He was relieved to see Josiah smiling.

"Really?"

"Really. I knew you wouldn't go to sleep. I even won a small wager with brother Chris."

"Yeah? What did you win?"

"He has to pay for breakfast tomorrow."

"He always pays."

"I know, but it was a chance for him to get me to pay for once."

"Brothers." Ezra mumbled before he rolled back over.

"What do you mean, 'brothers'?" Josiah said with mirth. He leaned over Ezra and started to tickle him.

Ezra screamed for him to stop but Josiah was merciless. "Please Josiah."

Josiah stopped. "Just remember whose boss around here."

"That would be Chris correct?" Ezra said with a smile.

"Why you..." Ezra curled away from Josiah's fingers. They both stopped when there was a knock on the door and Chris entered.

"Go to sleep you two. If I'm a grouch tomorrow it will be your fault. And if you wake up JD or Vin I'll shoot you both myself."

Josiah looked at Ezra and they both started to laugh at the same time.

Chris just walked away mumbling something about getting no respect, which only made them laugh harder.

Josiah and Ezra settled down and soon the soft snores of six very tired brothers could be heard.

The first thing Chris noticed when he awoke was the quiet. He would have assumed it was early morning if it wasn't for the angle of the sun coming through the hotel drapes. He rolled over and reached for his watch. He noticed that Vin wasn't in bed and then looked at the time. //10AM!// Chris bolted out of bed and hurried to the middle room to see what was up. What he saw completely shocked him, and then made him groan. Josiah was reading the paper and Vin, Ezra, Nate, and JD were all in separate corners of the small room.

The slight groan made Josiah turn from his paper to see Chris staring at his five brothers.

"Do I even want to know?" Chris said as he poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down.

"Weren't much really. Just a small riot in the dining room."

Chris groaned again. "This keeps up and we'll never be able to come back to this hotel and I refuse to stay in that other rat infested hotel."

"I'm at my wits end Chris. These boys argued, bickered, fought, and pushed each other around at breakfast until JD fell out of his chair and bumped his head. They are all luck I didn't have a wooden spoon handy or I would have spanked them all. I still might."

Chris smiled at Josiah. "And you're the rational one."

"HA. They haven't moved or spoke in an hour. By the way, what woke you up? It wasn't the noise."

"No. I think it was the quiet. It was something that I hardly ever hear."

Josiah laughed. "Well I needed it to not commit murder." Josiah stood. "I'm gonna go check on Buck while you get dressed. I'll come back and let you go see him. Maybe we can get these boys home and locked in their rooms."

"Their chores are a couple days behind so that ought to keep them busy until dinner."

"Famous last words." Josiah left Chris to read the paper and finish his coffee.

When Josiah returned a half an hour later, Chris was dressed but nobody else had moved.

"How's Buck?" Chris asked.

"Doc says he can leave anytime now. There's no sign of infection and if he rides home in a wagon he should be fine."

"That's a relief. We'll get packed up and head out."

"What do you want to do about the boys?"

"I don't know Josiah." Chris turned to look at each boy in a corner. "Boys! Come here!"

Four very contrite boys stood before Josiah and Chris.

"I want to know what happened this morning. Nathan you start."

"I was just telling Ezra that he shouldn't be so focused on gamblin' and money and be more focused on the ranch." Nathan relied.

"Ezra?"

"I took umbrage to his comment. He's always telling me how to act and I'm tired of it."

"I don't tell you how to act, I just suggest."

"Stop suggesting. You're not my father."

Before they could start another large argument, Chris held up his hands, "Whoa boys. I see part of the problem here." He turned to Nathan. "Nate. You need to stop telling Ezra how to act. I know you're just trying to help, but he has Josiah and me to show him how to behave. He doesn't need you to tell him what to do too."

Chris turned to Ezra, who had a smug look on his face. "And you can wipe that look off your face young man. Nathan is your older brother and you could learn from his wisdom. You shouldn't get so offended when he makes a suggestion."

"He doesn't suggest. He orders." Ezra crossed his arms over his chest.

"You need to ask yourself if Nate is telling you something that Josiah or myself have already told you or if he's just being bossy. I'll tell you something Ezra. Older brothers are bossy. Don't you boss Vin and JD?"

"No."

"Not true. Yer always tellin' me to do or not do stuff." JD added with a huff.

"JD hush. You'll get your turn in a minute." Josiah rebuked.

"You're still a baby, I'm not." Ezra said.

"I'm not a baby!" JD screamed.

"JD. I won't warn you again." Josiah said.

"Did Josiah ask you two to stop arguing in public?"

"Yes sir." Was both their replies.

"Did you stop?"

"No sir." Again together.

"So you both disobeyed Josiah?"

"Yes sir."

"Then you know what comes next."

"Yes sir." Ezra was trying to hold back the tears and Nathan just look resolved to his fate.

"Go sit down until I'm finished." Chris watched Ezra and Nate sit on opposite ends of the small couch that was in the room. He then turned to Vin and JD.

"Vin. What's your story?"

"I was leanin' back in my chair even after Josiah told me to stop. I kept forgettin'. I'm sorry."

"JD?" Chris tilted his baby brother's chin up so he could look into the sad brown eyes. "What did you do?"

"I bumped my head." JD said with a pout.

Chris had to smile. Figures JD would think about his head. He was really too young to fully understand what Chris was really after.

"How'd you bump your head Sprout?"

"I leaneded back in my chair and felded over. Vin never falls."

"JD. Did Josiah tell you not to lean in your chair?"

"No. Vin was leanin' and 'Siah told him he was gonna fall and to stop. He didn't so I's tried it and I felded." JD didn't try to stop the tears that fell from his eyes. Chris wiped the tears and looked at Josiah.

"He's right. I told Vin to stop it a couple times and before I could tell him again, JD was sprawled out on the floor crying. I was at the end of my rope so I picked up JD, hauled Vin out of his chair and ordered Ezra and Nate to follow me. I sent every one to a corner as I check JD's head. Then he joined his brothers."

"JD? Do you know why Josiah made you stand in the corner?"

"Cause I bumped my head?"

"No. He was upset because you copied something that Vin was doing that was wrong. It's not safe to lean back in your chair. He had just finished telling Vin that, but Vin wasn't listening. Understand?"

"Leanin' is bad?"

"Yes JD. It's dangerous. I don't want you to do it ever again, okay?"

"'Kay."

"I hope you do understand Sprout, because if you lean in your chair anymore, I'm gonna spank you. Understand?"

"Yes." JD wiped at the tears in his eyes.

"Good." Chris gathered JD into a hug and wiped his tears. "Why don't you go downstairs with Josiah and get a wagon for Buck to ride home in. Okay?"

"I can do dat." JD's smile light up the room. He ran to Josiah and said he was sorry for being bad and that he would be a good boy. Josiah and JD left.

"Boys. The rest of you should know better. Every time you disobey a rule that is set for your protection someone gets hurt. I won't tolerate disobedience anymore than pa did."

One at a time Chris took his brothers into a separate room and spanked them. After each tanning he hugged them and reminded them each how much they were loved. By the time all the tears were wiped away and the family was packed, Josiah and JD had the wagon for Buck all settled. They packed the wagon and retrieved Buck and headed home.

The next week went slowly for brother Buck. He was confined to bed rest for the first few days and then was allowed to get up as long as he rested. The inactivity was driving him nuts. The only thing that kept him from escaping the mother hen Chris had become was JD. His baby brother hadn't left his side for more than a few minutes at a time. Buck suspected it was because JD was scared to loose Buck but the real reason was Chris and Josiah had convinced JD that Buck needed to be watched. JD was up to the challenge.

Chris was glad JD decided to 'watch' brother Buck, because he still needed to finish with the horses. Peso was nearly saddle broke and Chris was grateful. If it wasn't for the connection Vin had with the devil horse, Chris would have shot the beast already. Chris was amazed that four days ago, it became easier to handle Peso and he wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth, as the saying goes.

Josiah was checking fences with Ezra all week. They worked on some of the horse training and even took off for an afternoon of fishing, with no one else the wiser.

Nathan finished up all of his back chores and spent his free time working in his work shed. He really wanted to work with the Doc and this punishment was killing him with boredom.

Vin on the other hand was having a great week. He started getting up earlier than usual to work with Peso. Vin knew that Chris would never approve but if he could get Peso to let Chris ride him, then Vin could get to ride Peso outside of the corral a lot sooner.

The first morning he got up he had convinced one of the hands to saddle Peso. He told the ranch hand that Chris needed him saddled. Where it wasn't a complete lie, Vin knew that Chris would be mad if he found out but Vin didn't plan on getting caught. He had convinced Peso to allow him as a rider and to allow Chris. Vin knew the training sessions with Chris and Peso were getting easier and he was glad.

On the fourth morning, Vin was riding Peso when his friend from the People showed up.

Chanu was 11 years old and was the son of the chief of the tribe that Vin's mother was from. Chanu and Vin were blood brothers before Vin moved to the ranch.

"Hey Chanu. What brings you this far this early?" Vin dismounted and loosened Peso's cinch. He then climbed and sat on the corral fence to be eye to eye with Chanu.

"Father asked me to bring you your sling shot. We are preparing to move to the winter camp in another full moon."

"I forgot I left it there. Pa never let me use it much. He said I was too young. I think he left it behind on purpose."

"Could be my brother. My father wanted me to return it. I think it was to allow me this journey away from him. I find myself in trouble and he has been angry a lot these days."

"Jeesh Chanu. I know that feeling. I've been in trouble almost every day this summer. Chris will probably be glad when school starts."

"I noticed your horse. He is a fine animal. I was surprised to see you riding with no one watching."

"Well, I've had a small problem getting Chris to see that I could saddle break Peso. We're connected Chanu and Chris just didn't understand. I decided that what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. I convinced a ranch hand to saddle him every morning and have been training him for almost a week now."

"And your brother has not found out?"

"No. He has noticed that Peso is easier to handle but he thinks it's because of his trainin'." Both boys laughed.

"Yes, I have found adults to be quite sure of them selves most times."

Vin was about to respond when Chris called him for breakfast. Chanu left and Vin had gone in to eat.

Two days later, Vin was putting Peso through his paces in the corral and was so engrossed in the training; he never noticed he was being watched.

Chris came out of the house and approached Josiah. "Josiah. Breakfast is ready. Have you seen Vin this morning?"

Josiah smiled and pointed toward the corral. When Chris looked out, he saw Vin riding Peso around the corral.

"What is that boy doing?" Chris started toward the corral but Josiah's large hand on his arm stopped him.

"Just watch Chris."

"Are you crazy. Peso isn't broke yet."

"Certainly looks broke to me Chris. Besides Vin has been doing this for a few mornings at least. Haven't you noticed that Peso responded to you better the last few days?"

"I just figured he was finally resolved to his fate."

"I think that boy and horse were resolved from the moment they saw each other. I can't explain it, but its like Ezra and Chaucer."

"Huh. Another devil horse that should be shot."

Josiah chuckled. "Chris you can't shoot everything that irritates you. If that were true, you'd be an only child."

Chris smiled back at that. "Have you been watching Vin for the last few days?"

"Caught a glimpse of him two days ago and became suspicious. I saw him yesterday and reacted the same as you until I saw how good they both work together. Then again today."

"Josiah. He disobeyed me by riding that horse. You should have told me."

"I just did." Josiah walked back into the house for breakfast. Chris decided to retrieve Vin personally.

Vin dismounted and loosened Peso's cinch. He took a cloth and wiped Peso down. Vin jumped when Chris appeared behind him.

"Vin."

"Um hi Chris. Breakfast ready?"

"Yup." Chris leaned against the top rail of the corral.

Vin looked nervous. "Um Chris. I know I'm not 'sposed to be near Peso yet, but I..."

"I'd rather you not lie to me Vin. I know you've been riding Peso for at least the last three days."

Vin was confused. He expected yelling and screaming, not this calm Chris.

"You're not mad?"

"Vin I'm very angry that you disobeyed me and you will be punished." Chris paused. "But I'm also very impressed with how well you ride Peso. You both work well together."

"Really?"

"Really. Of course this will be the last time you ride Peso for the next two weeks."

"Two weeks? Aw Chris."

"Don't awe Chris me. You disobeyed me when I told you not to ride Peso. I didn't say that just to hear myself talk. It was to protect you." Chris paused again. "Let's go eat and then we can finish this discussion in the barn."

"The barn?" Can't we 'talk' in my room?" Vin knew a barn tanning was worse than a spanking in his room.

"No we can't. Let's go eat." Chris headed for the house with a very sad Vin following him.

Breakfast was a somber affair for Vin. He found it hard to eat with a knot of anticipation in his stomach. After breakfast, Chris and Vin went to the barn and dealt with Vin's disobedience. Afterwards, Chris helped Vin put Peso in his new stall next to Chaucer. Vin bedded him down and put away his tack. Even though his backside hurt, his heart was full of love and acceptance from Chris. Throughout the day, Vin kept checking on Peso and went to sleep a very happy little boy that night.

Chris and Josiah gathered the camping gear slowly over the past week. They checked tents and packs and prepared for the family camping trip in three days. The boys were settled into routine and were behaving for once. Since Ezra and Nathan knew about the trip, they were allowed to help with the preparations. JD and Vin didn't know about the trip; so the others thought.

Vin had observed the stealthy activity by his brothers and beamed when he realized what they were doing. He made it a habit to 'disappear' into the hayloft to watch his brothers each afternoon. Vin watched and occasionally would lob a small pebble at his unsuspecting brothers with his slingshot. Never hitting them, for that would be disastrous.

"Buck! Cut that out." Chris hollered as a pebble bounced over the wagon.

"Stop what?" Buck looked confused.

"Tossing rocks at me. You may still be healing but I will knock you on you backside if I have to."

"I ain't throwin' rocks. I thought you were."

"Let's just get this wagon out of sight before Vin and JD see it."

They moved the wagon out of sight and headed for the house. As they entered, Nettie stopped them.

"Wipe your feet boys. I have enough to do without you tracking in dirt."

Both 'boys' turned red at the admonishment. "Sorry Nettie." They both said.

Nettie seemed aggravated about something.

"What's wrong Nettie?" Chris asked.

"Nothin'!" Nettie replied angrily.

"Sure." Buck said sarcastically.

"I don't need your lip young man." Nettie was shaking a wooden spoon at Buck. Chris decided to save him and embraced Nettie.

"What's wrong Nettie? You can't be this angry over a little dirt."

Nettie sighed. "I was gonna make some apple pies this afternoon. The apples are almost perfect."

"What's the problem?"

"The problem is that most of the apples have been either knocked off the tree or have small pebbles imbedded in them."

"Pebbles? How would pebbles get into apples?"

"Probably by the same person who was tossing them over the wagon." Chris said as he looked at Buck.

"I was not throwing pebbles at you. Besides, for a pebble to stick in an apple it would have had to be pushed there with a strong hand."

"Hum. I really hate mysteries. Let's call in the boys and see what they know." Chris walked to the door and hollered, "JD! Vin!"

Meanwhile, behind the barn, JD had volunteered to help Vin with an experiment. One of the stories that Buck told the boys was about William Tell. Vin liked the story because he could hit anything he aimed at with his slingshot. JD had volunteered to stand with an apple on his head and let Vin shoot it off. Vin never missed the apples on the tree so why should he miss now.

"JD stay still. If you move the pebble could hit you." Vin warned.

"'Kay. Vin."

Vin aimed and shot.

JD turned upon hearing his name. The silence was shattered by an inhuman scream from JD as the pebble connected with his head.

Chris and Buck ran toward the scream that turned into deep sobbing. Buck recognized the crying as one who was hurt and it kicked in his protector mode.

Following the sobs, Chris and Buck saw Vin try to comfort his brother and turned when Buck came around the turn. Vin allowed his relief to show and then Chris noticed that Vin was crying also. Buck gathered JD into his arms to calm him down and Vin crumbled into Chris' warm embrace. 'Shushing' could be heard over the crying as Buck and Chris tried to calm the boys long enough to find out what happened.

Buck was examining JD when he saw the small lump forming on JD's head. "Come on Little Bit. Let's go put some ice on your head." Buck carried JD inside. Chris was about to follow when he saw the discarded slingshot near the barn. Suddenly he saw the whole picture; the pebbles over the wagon, the apples and now JD. Chris bent over and retrieved the slingshot and sat down with Vin on his lap.

"Vin? What happened?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt JD. It was an accident."

"Tell me what happened Vin."

"I was pretendin' I was William Tell. JD moved and I hit him instead of the apple." Vin dissolved into tears and buried his head in Chris' chest.

"Shush Vin. JD's gonna be alright." He waited a few minutes. "Vin? Where did you get the slingshot?"

"Chanu." It was muffled but Chris heard it.

"When was Chanu here?"

"Last week. He stopped by when I was ridin' Peso. Before you caught me." Vin added.

"Why didn't you show me the slingshot?"

Vin just shrugged. A small part of him didn't think Chris would have let him keep it. Chris suspected that was the real reason.

"Have you been target practicing in the orchard?"

"Yes sir."

"Were you aiming at Buck and me earlier?"

"No sir. I's aimin' fer the wagon."

Chris couldn't help but smile. Vin was obviously a very good shot. "Let's go see how JD is and then we can come up with some ground rules for slingshot use."

"Yer not gonna take it away?"

"I should, but as long as you can follow some rules for safety sake I shouldn't have to."

Vin hugged Chris and he heard a soft 'thanks' as they went in to check on JD.

JD was okay after some ice on his bump. He didn't blame Vin because Vin had warned him not to move, and he had moved. Chris told Vin that he had to stop knocking the apples off the trees and he couldn't aim at any more people. Chris also decided to set up a small target range behind the barn so that Vin could practice without hitting anyone or anything.

That night, after everyone was to bed, Vin woke in a nightmare. It scared him bad enough to crawl into bed with Chris.

"What's wrong Cowboy?" Chris asked half asleep.

"Can I sleep in here?" Vin's small hitched voice was all it took for Chris to offer the other side of the bed to Vin. After Vin was settled Chris was almost asleep when he heard Vin ask, "Chris?"

"Hum?"

"Can I bring my slingshot campin'?"

Chris sat up on one elbow and looked at Vin, who was almost asleep. "How did you know about campin?"

"Just heard. Can I?"

Chris settled down and smiled. //Figures I couldn't hide it from Vin// "We'll see Vin. Go to sleep."

"'Kay. Love ya."

"I love you too Cowboy."

Both brothers were asleep, one with dreams of being a great hunter and the other with dreams of family.