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“I don’t know…he passed out pretty quick last night when I got him in there. Have you known Lee long?”
Doc Witherspoon shook his head. “Met him before he rode off to the war. Had some trouble out this way and old Doc Smithers needed my help. His Pa was a stubborn one and got shot up by the Jeffries a time or two. I reckon Doc Smithers knows him better than I do. But I always liked Lee and Dil. They are almost the same age as myself. Anyway…He lost a lot of blood. He really needs a transfusion, but I’d have to match his blood, and find a donor…” the doc explained.
“If you need it doc, I’ll volunteer…” Joe stood up from the table and eyed the doc.
“He don’t think he needs it, but without it, he’ll be kind of weak for a while, and knowing him as I do, that won’t set well with Lee.” The doc nodded. “Let me take some blood from you and see if I can match it pretty well, then.”
“Alright,” Joe insisted.
It took the doc a while to get the blood, but he took it on the back porch and did some kind of testing, then he came back in a hurry.
“It’s pretty close, let’s do it.” The doc nodded. “Transfusions are kinda new here, but we’ve found they work well when one loses a lot of blood.”
Joe agreed.
The doc stared at ole Joe. “Alight, Joe, let me get things fixed up. I’ll call you in there when I’m ready. It will make all the difference in the world when he starts healing.”
Joe nodded and smiled at Hattie.
Joe chuckled when they were lying on the same bed. “I always knew I was part Nelson.”
Lee heard him and laughed.
When the doc was ready, Joe spread his a
rm out and waited. Hattie had helped the doc set up.
“He’s going to be alright, isn’t he?” Hattie asked, watching the way Joe’s blood flowed from him to Lee.
“He’ll be fine. Of course, he might have a time getting around at first. That leg is pretty busted, but he’ll mend. He’s a strong one; he’s young and healthy. He’s had a few other bullets taken out of him too…” The doc looked at them both. “Must have been from the war. They did a good job on his arm. And he’s learned to use the rest of his body to his advantage. That’s great.”
“He never said nothin’ about them bullets…” Joe shook his head. “I guess the war nearly did him in then…and someone thought it had…He’s been especially quiet about the war, not tellin’ nothin’.”
The young doc nodded. “He’s changed some since he left. Gotten a lot quieter. Losin’ an arm had to be traumatic for him. He doesn’t seem to be half as hot-headed as he used to be. Which is good. The Jeffries bunch are cunning and a hot head wouldn’t win with them. I’m very happy that he got the taxes paid on this place. Legally, no one else can touch it, except you. And Lee.”
Hattie shrugged. “Now that he’s back, I guess things will settle out, especially since the taxes are paid.”
The doc smiled. “Lee’s had a tough time here. I’m a little surprised he came home after the war. So—how’s our little Violet’s leg now?”
“She hardly complains, doc.” Hattie smiled, casting a quick look outside. “She’s not even limping with it any longer.”
“She’s a little toughie too.” The doc smiled.
“Do you think now that the taxes are paid that we’ll have less trouble with the Jeffries?” Hattie asked.
“I’m sorry, I’ve known them entirely too long. I can’t see them giving up. They’ve wanted this land for so long. And they aren’t good losers.” The doc pushed his cup towards a refill.
Hattie poured him another cup and eyed him, his bushy brows drew together giving him a harsher look than the man deserved. Yet his gray eyes seemed to carry sympathy. “I wouldn’t let my guard down just yet.”
Hattie nodded quietly.
“I’ll say this, the place looks good. As good as I’ve ever seen it. And it’s a darn good thing that Lee is back. Most people about here are farmers. And the one thing you can depend on is a farmer standin’ up for another farmer. So if you get into trouble, remember that. It’s a hard life but there are some rewards. The Jeffries are not liked, they’ve been bullying the people of this valley for years and it’s time to move on. Once they are gone, this valley can get to the business of farming and enjoy the benefits. So you take real good care of Mr. Lee, because I believe if anyone can outfox the Jeffries, it’s him. Thanks for the good coffee, I’ll be back to check on him at the end of the month. If you need me in the meantime, just send Joe to fetch me.” The young doctor smiled at her. He got up and put his hat on his blonde head and moved to leave.
“Thanks for comin’, doc.” Joe got up and walked him to the door.
“Be seein’ ya Joe, take care now…” The doc smiled and got into his buggy. He waved and was gone in no time.
Joe peeked into Lee’s room as he hiked his suspenders high on his shoulder. Lee was awake and just finishing his coffee.
