Summary

Chapter 18 – Joey is absolutely ecstatic to be with Albert. Albert explains that Father has given up drinking, and is a good and decent husband and father once more. Major Martin treats Joey’s leg, and stitches him up. Joey, however, falls ill, as his legs and back stiffen up. Major Martin and Sergeant Thunder diagnose Joey with tetanus, picked up from either the barbed wire or some small piece of metal that has found its way into his system. Nothing can be done, and horses rarely survive. It is recommended that Joey be put down, but Albert opposes this. Major Martin and Sergeant Thunder agree to allow Albert and his friends to treat Joey provided their work elsewhere still gets accomplished. Joey is put up in a sling to keep him off his feet. Each day, Albert, Major Martin, Sergeant Thunder, David, and the...