An Honorable Soldier in General Washington's Army: Chapter 18
by Tami B.
Disclaimer: The following work has been written solely for the enjoyment of fans and not for monetary profit. The rights to the characters initially created for the Daniel Boone series belong to 20th Century Fox and Fess Parker. All other characters are of the author's own creation. No copyright violation is intended.
Alarmed, Daniel stood up, knocking his chair over, and walked swiftly towards the supine Adam. Rebecca was right behind him. Daniel knelt beside Adam as Rebecca knelt on the other side of him. Placing a finger beneath Adam's nose, Daniel said, " He's breathing." Applying the same technique Israel had used, Daniel called Adam's name to no avail. "Jemima, fetch me that bottle of smelling salts."
"Yes, Pa," Jemima said, hurriedly making her way to the alcove. She found the requested item and quickly returned to her father's side.
Unplugging the bottle, Daniel held it under Adam's nose. Adam jerked his head away but remained asleep. Daniel did it once more which caused Adam to roll onto his back.. He flailed his hands to swat at the offending odor. Daniel applied the smelling salts a third time. Adam rolled his head from side to side but, at last, his eyes fluttered open looking into Rebecca's worried face.
"Time for breakfast," she said, smiling although he looked worse now than the day before. She instinctively placed a hand on his forehead. Anyone who appeared as pale as he did had to be running a fever. He wasn't.
What the Boones didn't know was that Adam had hardly slept any in the night. His dreams were haunted with visions of wanton violence and murder.
"B-b-b-b-breakfast?" he asked sluggishly.
"Jemima, bring a bowl of oatmeal. Let's see if we can get something down him," Daniel ordered.
"Right away, Pa," Jemima complied immediately.
"Adam, you'll stay confined to bed today," Daniel commanded
"B-b-b-but, sir," Adam said softly and barely above a whisper, "I promised Mr. Cincinnatus I'd reshingle the tavern roof today."
"He'll understand. You can do it when you're up to it," Daniel explained to him.
"Yes, sir," Adam said without hesitation. He then moaned.
"What's wrong, Adam?" Rebecca asked with much concern.
"S-s-s-tomach cramp," Adam answered weakly.
"Have some of this. Maybe it'll help," Rebecca said, spooning the oatmeal into his mouth from the bowl Jemima had handed her. She was thankful he was eating it.
"Young 'uns, we'll eat at the table," Daniel announced, deciding Adam didn't need an audience just then. The trio took their places at the table and began eating.
Rebecca finished giving Adam his breakfast and then he fell asleep again. Then she joined her family at the table. "Dan, I'm assuming you're going to the fort today. Ask Cincinnatus if there's something we can do for Adam."
"Planned to," Daniel replied, sipping his coffee.
"And will you take me with you, Pa, so I can play with Andy Rand?" Israel asked with great anticipation.
"What do you think, Becky?" Daniel asked.
"Well, I think it would be all right," Rebecca said.
"Yippee!!" Israel exclaimed.
"Israel, keep your voice down. I don't want Adam disturbed," Rebecca told him sternly.
"Sorry, Ma," he said, giving her a bear hug.
When they separated, Rebecca warned him. "Israel, you mind your manners."
"I will, Ma," Israel said.
"Let's get going then, Isra'l," Daniel said.
"Hold on, Pa. I gotta fetch something," Israel said as he raced to the loft.
"Becky, I was thinking of trying to find Adam's father after all the business at the fort is attended to," Daniel
"Why, Pa?" Jemima asked.
"I thought he'd like to know his son is ill. Maybe he knows how to properly take care of him," Daniel said.
Looking annoyed and aggravated at Daniel's statement, Rebecca said angrily, "We can care for him far better than that...that...man." She wanted to use a derogatory term for Adam's father, but with the children present she thought better of it.
"I didn't mean it that way, Becky," Daniel explained. "What I meant was perhaps he's seen Adam ill like this and knows how to fix him up."
"I doubt it," Rebecca told him. "But it's worth a try. Jemima and I should be able to care for Adam while you're out."
"I won't stay away long," Daniel said then kissed her before departing as Israel stood by with slingshot in hand.
"Yuck!" Israel declared at his parents' show of affection.
Daniel and Rebecca exchanged glances knowing that in few years he wouldn't feel the same way. "Quit dawdlin', son, and let's get a move on." Daniel led a confused Israel out of the door leaving his smiling womenfolk behind.
Daniel and Israel waited outside the Rand cabin before Agnes answered. "Oh, Daniel and Israel, good morning. Won't you come in?"
"No, thank you, Agnes. I was wondering if Israel might stay the day with you. Adam's sick and Becky thinks he'll rest easier without a loud boy around," Daniel explained.
"I'm sorry to hear about Adam, Daniel. Sorry indeed. Israel's welcome to stay as long as you and Becky would like," Agnes told him.
"I think I should stay three days," Israel suggested.
"The day and no more," Daniel said in non-negotiating terms. "Thank you, Agnes. I'll fetch Israel before sundown. If he becomes too much for you before then, have Caleb bring him home."
"Israel will be fine. It's Andy that I'll have sent to your cabin," Agnes jested.
Daniel chuckled. "Isra'l, remember what your ma said. I'll see you later. Thanks again, Agnes."
"You're welcome, Daniel. We'll be praying for Adam. I'm sure he'll be on his feet again in no time," Agnes said with confidence.
"I hope you're right," Daniel said, ruffling his son's hair then turned towards the tavern.
After walking a short distance, Daniel entered the establishment to find Cincinnatus cleaning mugs. "Mornin', Dan'l," Cincinnatus greeted. "Adam with you?"
Daniel shook his head. "Adam's sick, Cincinnatus. Looks like your roof will have to wait awhile."
"Reckon it will," Cincinnatus said with a shake of his head. "Poor kid."
"The boy's weak and sleepy. No fever though. Do you have any suggestions on how to care for him?" Daniel asked.
"The best medicine for that would be Becky's cooking," Cincinnatus said seriously. "Nothing could strengthen a body or a boy more."
Daniel smiled. "I think you've hit the nail on the head, Cincinnatus. If Becky's cooking doesn't revive him nothing will. One more thing. Have you seen Markes lately?"
"Haven't seen him since right before the Redcoats took Adam," Cincinnatus confessed.
"If you do, tell him about Adam," Daniel requested. "He may know something to help."
Cincinnatus snorted. "He hasn't helped that boy yet. Do you really think he'll suddenly help now?"
"Stranger things have happened," Daniel said. "Maybe he'll realize his son's health is of a greater concern than anything else right now."
"Or, he'll think he has more time to devise another scheme," Cincinnatus reasoned based on Markes actions to date. "If I see him, I'll tell him, Daniel, if that's what you want."
"That's what I want. Thanks, Cincinnatus," Daniel said, heading for the door.
"Tell Adam I wish him well," Cincinnatus quickly added as Daniel left the tavern, waving his hand in response.
Daniel began his search in the woods nearby the fort before moving to the woods closer to his cabin. He calculated it should take him a few hours and in that amount of time he hoped to find Markes or Markes find him.
Rebecca heard Adam moan and she found him sitting up on his right elbow. Giving him a drink, she noticed his eyes were only half-open. After he drained the cup dry slowly, he smiled crookedly and said in a whisper, "I-I-I-I forgave him. I forgave him."
"That's fine, Adam. Lay back down," Rebecca said softly then gently guided his head to the pillow.
"Your wings are exposed, Mrs. Boone. I see them. Strange family. You have wings on your back. The colonel on his feet," Adam said. He then saw the worry on her face. "I'll be fine. You'll see. I forgave so God will make me well. It worked for Israel. It'll work for me," he said, trying to comfort her.
Rebecca wasn't sure to what Adam was referring or what Israel had to do with anything, but she decided to act like she knew exactly what he was talking about. "Yes, you'll be good as new soon. Go to sleep now."
Adam closed his eyes and Rebecca thought he was asleep before she had the blankets tucked around him.
"Did he say he forgave his father?" Jemima asked, hovering near her mother.
"That's what it sounded like, but I wouldn't put much stock in it," Rebecca answered. "He probably won't remember what he said or if he meant it."
"I suppose. What did he mean by 'your wings are exposed'?" Jemima queried.
Rebecca smiled. "He told me once I was an angel who concealed my wings."
"Oh, yes, I see now what he's talking about. Your wings are showing. Very untidy for an angel," Jemima teased.
"An angel caring for a sick soldier boy is allowed to be unkempt," Rebecca said in mock defense.
Rebecca and Jemima went back to their work with each keeping an eye on Adam from time to time. He would awaken occasionally with stomach cramps but nothing severe. He made an excellent patient for he made no demands and always cooperated, but Rebecca would rather have a healthy Adam back.
After scrubbing the loft clean, Jemima descended the ladder and headed for the door to discard the bucket of dirty water. Setting the bucket down, she decided to check on Adam. She saw him awake and shivering in his bed.
"Ma! Come quick!" she yelled to her mother who was in the alcove gathering vegetables and herbs to prepare a soup for Adam.
Rebecca was soon at Adam's side with Jemima hovering nearby.
"C-c-c-cold," Adam told her.
Rebecca touched his face and noted he was cool. "Jemima, bring the blanket out of the trunk," she ordered her daughter, pointing towards the trunk.
Jemima moved quickly, retrieved the blanket, and handed it to Rebecca who quickly threw it over Adam. "You'll warm up soon, Adam," Rebecca told him, patting him on the shoulder. "Are you still having stomach cramps?"
"S-s-s-sometimes," he answered.
Daniel entered the cabin just then and noticed the excitement in the room. "Need any help, Becky?" he asked, taking a position opposite of Rebecca's.
"Yes, got any ideas on how to warm him?" she asked.
"Move him closer to the fireplace," Daniel suggested.
"Now why didn't I think of that?" she asked herself. "Give him a moment for the trembling to ease up. Did Cincinnatus know what could be done for Adam?"
"His best suggestion was your fine cooking," Daniel informed her.
Rebecca smiled then added, "Did you find Adam's father?"
Daniel shook his head. "No sign of him."
"Too bad he's missing this," Rebecca said critically. "He should be so proud. He's the cause of it."
"Ma, Pa," Jemima began, "I think I know what's wrong with Adam. He told me that last fall he got sick. He said he was so weak he could hardly lift an eyelash, shivered violently and had stomach cramps. Then he got sick again in the winter with the same thing. I didn't put it all together until he started shaking just now."
"Looks like he's got it again," Daniel observed, noticing that Adam had drifted off to sleep and his tremors ceased. "What was done for him, Mima?"
"He didn't say, Pa. He did say he recovered in a few days," Jemima answered.
"At least, we know he'll recover," Rebecca said, relieved. Touching his face, she noticed he had warmed considerably. "And I know my soup will speed his recovery even more. Dan, he's doing better know. I think we should leave him where he is."
"I agree," Daniel said. "I'll give you a hand with that soup."
That afternoon Daniel was stirring the soup pot. The aroma that filled the cabin was drawing and warm. Daniel thought Adam would be awake soon. That boy couldn't sleep through such, not as attracted to Rebecca's cooking as he was. Rebecca and Jemima were outside doing laundry leaving Daniel as nursemaid to Adam.
The silence was broken by Adam experiencing a coughing fit. Daniel partially filled a mug of water and brought it to Adam who he found sitting up in bed trying to tame the cough with no success. "Drink some water, Adam," Daniel told him, passing him the mug.
Adam did so. He drank deeply and quickly.
"Slow down, son, or you'll regret it," Daniel advised, fluffing up the pillows behind Adam's back and then carefully pushed Adam into them.
Adam forced himself to take the cup from his lips then finished the contents at a normal pace this time. " 'And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.' Matthew. My throat was so dry I thought Israel stuffed cotton in my mouth," Adam joked.
Daniel marveled at the improvement Adam had made. This morning he could hardly lift his head and he looked badly. Now, color had returned to his face and the dark rims about his eyes had lessened greatly. "You must be feeling better. You're quoting scripture," Daniel observed. "And accusing Israel of dastardly deeds."
Adam smiled, holding the mug out to Daniel. "May I have more, please. Israel stuffed more cotton down my throat than I realized."
"Of course," Daniel said, retrieving the mug and rising to bring more water. "I'm only doing it though so my reward in heaven will be greater."
"It certainly will, Colonel," Adam told him. "The Scriptures don't lie."
"But you should be," Rebecca said, having entered the cabin and overhearing the last of their conversation. "Lying down that is." She had come to check on Adam, knowing leaving Daniel in charge of his care fell far short of what she provided.
Daniel returned with the mug of water and passed it to Adam. "Sitting up is easier to drink heavenly rewarded water, Becky," he said.
Rebecca smiled making her own observation that Adam seemed to be recovering remarkably well.
Raising his cup in tribute to Daniel and Rebecca, Adam said, " 'For I was ahungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me...And the King shall answer and say unto them Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.' Matthew - abbreviated. You have done all these things for me. Thank you," Adam said simply then drained his mug of water. Sniffing the air, Adam finally was aware of the soup. "What is that divine smell?" Adam asked.
"A special soup made especially for you to speed your recovery. Daniel, don't just stand there. Bring the boy a bowl of it," Rebecca ordered as she knelt beside Adam.
"As you wish, my queen," Daniel said then scrambled quickly to do his wife's bidding with a smile of his face.
"I'm so glad you're doing much better," Rebecca told him.
"Me too," Adam agreed when a chill ran through him.
"You're mending but not mended," Rebecca said, pulling the cover to his neck but leaving his arms free to eat the soup. "You stay here much longer Dan will have to build you a proper bed. It'll be much easier to tend to you that way." Rebecca said.
"I can build it myself. In fact, I'll start right after I finish that soup," Adam announced.
"You will not," Rebecca declared. "You'll stay put until I give you leave."
"Has there been a change in my orders?" Adam asked. "I thought the Colonel was my commanding officer." "I am," Daniel concurred, handing Adam the bowl of soup. "Becky, often usurps my authority when necessary. This is one of those times. Just humor her."
Taking a spoonful of the soup, Adam's eyes danced in delight. "This is stupendous. You've outdone yourself, Mrs. Boone. My complements to the chef."
"I'm hardly a chef, Adam," Rebecca corrected.
"To this hungry soul, you are," Adam said, dipping his spoon into the soup to take another mouthful but he stopped himself. There was something gnawing him and he could no longer hold it back. He couldn't speak of it before for his shame was too great. "Colonel, about my father and those men..."
"Oh, Adam, must you speak of them now?" Rebecca interrupted, concerned that he would slip back into despondency if the conversation distressed him. He was making such strides she didn't want that to cease.
"Yes, please, Mrs. Boone, it's important," Adam said politely. "Colonel, I was out of control yesterday. I was ready to commit murder and would have if you hadn't been there to stop me. And I was ready to kill my father. I didn't think such evil lurked in my being. Then I struck you without cause. I've made a mockery of everything I stand for. How can you trust me? How can I trust myself?"
"Adam, I have complete faith and trust in you today as I had in you before the incident with the kidnappers. That hasn't changed," Daniel explained. "Your problem is that you have a conscience. You see, the good have it. The bad don't. You're fretting over yesterday's actions because your conscience is nagging at you. If you weren't concerned, then I would have reason to be concerned. Do you think the kidnappers are fretting over what they intended to do to you? Not one little bit."
"They haven't had the time," Adam injected with a grin. "They're still on the run."
"No doubt they are," Daniel said with a chuckle before continuing with his thought. "Yesterday you saw a side of yourself that you didn't know existed. That was only brought out by extraordinary circumstances. Your mortal being hit the breaking point and cracked, but not beyond repair. You're still an honorable soldier in General Washington's army."
"Thank you, Colonel," Adam said, smiling. "I know you to be an honest man and are giving it to me straight. If you haven't lost confidence in me after all this, then I suppose I can have confidence in myself."
"That's exactly right," Daniel said, slapping Adam's leg.
"Now that that's settled eat your soup," Rebecca ordered, marveling that all Adam needed to hear was that Daniel trusted him.
"Gladly," Adam said, taking a mouthful.
Jemima entered the cabin to find her parents at Adam's bedside and at first thought something was wrong but then she saw Adam sitting up in bed and knew he had a taken a turn for the better. "Afternoon, Adam," Jemima greeted happily.
"Jemima," Adam returned then searched the cabin with his eyes noting that a member of the Boone family was missing. "Where's Israel?"
"He's at the fort," Jemima answered.
"Mima, make sure Adam finishes the soup. I'll make sure your ma finishes the laundry," Daniel said as he helped Rebecca up. "Fetch him another bowl if he wants it. Just so there's not any misunderstanding, Adam, you are to stay put just as Mrs. Boone said."
"Yes, sir," Adam said.
"He won't budge from this bed. I promise," Jemima told him.
Daniel and Rebecca made their way outside. Once they had stepped away from the porch, Rebecca stopped Daniel. "What's up, Dan?"
"I just thought that Adam needed to talk to someone his own age without us about," Daniel said.
"You are so wise, Daniel Boone. Your words brightened that boy. Did you see his eyes practically glow when you told him he was still an honorable soldier in General Washington's army?" Rebecca asked.
Daniel nodded. "I meant every word I said."
"I know that and he knew that too and I love you all the more for it," Rebecca said then kissed him soundly on the lips.
"Yuck!" Daniel declared after the kiss.
Rebecca slapped his arm and walked away from him without a word.
"Yum. Becky, I meant yum," Daniel said, trailing after her. She knew he was teasing, didn't she?
In the cabin, Adam set his bowl aside and picked up his Bible that was sitting beside him. Thumbing through it, he found the scripture he wanted to hear. "Jemima, would you mind reading orally this part in Isaiah forty-one?" he asked her, pointing with his finger where she should begin and end.
Taking the Bible from his hands, Jemima began the read. " 'Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, fear not: I will help thee.'"
"Do you know what this portion of scripture means to me?" Adam asked her.
Nodding, she said, "I think so. Your father's cause is defeated. God's taken care of it."
Smiling, Adam said, "Your father said as much, but I didn't really listen. I now know I'll go on serving the cause of liberty and my father will have to pursue a different obsession, because this one is concluded." Retrieving his bowl, Adam scraped the bottom of it with his spoon and discovered to his horror it practically empty. "Jemima, may I have more soup?"
"Sure. Anything else, sir?" she asked, acting the part of a maid.
"No. No, my good woman. Only the soup please," he answered, acting as the benevolent master.
Rising to her feet, Jemima did his bidding with a cheerful demeanor.
An enjoyable evening was spent with Adam who had improved so well that Rebecca allowed him to eat supper at the table but then she immediately sent him back to his bed. Surrounded by Daniel, Jemima, and Israel Adam played whist in the same partnership as the night before, only this time Daniel and Israel were getting the better of the other two. When the final card was played, Israel began a victory dance to celebrate. He made his way all through the cabin with "We won" on his lips. The gesture brought the house the down. When he began to pass Rebecca for the fifth time, she immediately put a stop to his showmanship. Too much excitement too soon might impair Adam's recovery and that she would not tolerate.
The rest of the evening they engaged in conversation and all were pleased when Adam participated as if he had never been sick at all. Again, Rebecca ended the talking when she saw Adam's eyelids grow heavy. She sent the children to bed with Israel protesting the whole while. Wishing Adam a good night, she attended to the other two then joined Daniel on the bench by the fireplace. They basked in their good fortune that Adam was recovering and all seemed right in their world this night.
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