AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Joseph pointed at Gil. “Giving him what he deserves for humiliating Earl. For humiliating our whole family.” He took a step toward Gil.
Pa stuck out his arm, blocking Joseph’s path. “You’re done here. Go to your mother.”
“But—”
“Go!”
When Pa used that tone, Joseph usually did as he was told. But not today. “Nä, I won’t. This fight between us has been coming on for a long time. We will finish it.”
Gil moaned and sat up. He still held his right arm against his chest. “You did finish it. I admit defeat.”
Pa crouched next to Gil. “You’re hurt?”
“I did something to my wrist when I fell.”
Joseph huffed. “Serves you right after making Earl fall.”
Pa bolted upright and cuffed Joseph on the side of the head. “Enough, I told you! Your mother and brothers and sisters are already in the wagon. Go get it and bring it here.”
Joseph’s ears rang from Pa’s clop. “What for?”
“Your cousin is hurt. He needs the doctor. We’ll take him to Aiken.”
“Nä, Onkel Hosea.” Gil got to his feet. “The doctor costs money.”
“We’re going to take Earl anyway. He cut his chin on the trumpet. Dorcas thinks it needs stitches. And I want the doctor to look at his ankle.” Pa turned to Joseph, and his glower darkened. “He twisted it when he stepped on a rock. It wasn’t Gil’s fault.” He leaned closer. “Go get that wagon right now, Joseph, and when we’ve finished in Aiken, you, me, and Gil are going to have a talk in the woodshop.”
Gil
The hour wasapproaching suppertime when Onkel Hosea drove his team onto the yard. He drew the horses to a stop near the house, set the brake, then helped Taunte Dorcas to the ground. He moved to the rear of the wagon and lifted the tailgate aside. “Adelheid, help your mama put a meal onthe table. Louisa and Herman, keep Menno and Simon out from under their feet. I’ll carry Earl to the house.”
The youngsters clambered out and followed their mother toward the back door.
Onkel Hosea turned a soft look on Earl. “Are you hurting much?”
Earl ran his finger over the bloodstained strip of gauze on his chin. “Not too bad, Pa.”
“You’re a brave boy. Scoot over here and I’ll get you out.”
Joseph lurched up. “Here, Earl, I’ll help you.”
“Nä.” Onkel Hosea barked the word. “You see to the horses. Make sure they get fed and watered.”
Joseph leaped from the wagon, his mouth set in a tight scowl.
Onkel Hosea held his arms to Earl. “Come on now. You can do it.”
With his bandaged foot in the air, Earl pushed with his hands and pulled with one heel. He reached the end of the bed, and Onkel Hosea scooped him up. “See there? You made it just fine.”
“Thank you, Pa.”
Onkel Hosea’s gaze shifted to Gil. First to his splint and sling, then his face. “Can you get out on your own?”
“Jo, sir.” He shifted to the tail of the bed.
“Goot. As soon as I have Earl settled, I will meet you in the woodshop.” He paused, then snapped, “Joseph?”
Joseph looked over his shoulder. “Jo?”
