Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1891-10-22
ACAST FOR FORTUNE
CHAPTER vi.


into the agonizing pain of his wound. as
he was lifted to partially sitting pos
ture by strong arm underneath him.
and the second to liquid which was
being cautiously poured down his throat.
He opened his eyes and looked up, to see
a brown. solicitous face above him, and
to inhae the odor of brandy from bot
tie held to his lips.
"Ahl it has brought him to life" said
the person administering this remedy, in
a tone of satisfaction. and also in Span
ish. "a little more, sonora little more.
But Derwent shook his head and closed
his lips. He was, in fact. almost stran-
gled by the liquid, which had neverthe-
less served its purpose in bringing him
back to a knowledge of his surround
ings. He lifted himself to a more up
right position. in order to relieve the
terrible pain in his shoulder. and looked
about him.
He found himself in the midst of
group Of men and horses. among whom
were none of his own party. All were
strangers, all apparently Mexicans-as
indeed what else was likely in this re-
mote part of the country?-and sense
of despair seized him as he thought of
his inability to make himself understood
by them. Looking up. with eyes express
i've of the suffering he was enduring. he
could only touch his shoulder and say
Il have been shot-here.
English thought so, said another
voice. And then ont of the group of
faces which seemed to swim around him
one bent over him which had vaguely
familiar look-a face deeply sunburned.
yet fair underneath the tan, as was
proved by the dark blue eyes and the
luxuriant brown beard. The exclama-
ton which this person uttered had been
in Spanish. but he now spoke to the
young man in his own tongue
THE wound is in your shoulder" he
said. Eyes. see you have bled copious-
ly. Lie down while we cut away your
coat and bandage it.
Derwent was very glad to obey this
direction, for blackness was gathering
around him again. He had lost a guam
tity of blood, and this. together with the
blow ON the head which he had received
in falling, made him feel faint. He lay
down obediently, and the stranger began
to cut away the clothing from his wound
in very practiced manner. He NUT
tered several comments in Spanish when
he saw the wound; but he bandaged it
skillfully. administered to Derwent an
other dose of the stiinulant. and then
asked him how he had been shot.
The account was briefly given. "The
last thing recall, said the young man,
lis falling down the precipice. | must
have struck my head against tree or
rock. and from what remember of the
blow, which instantly stunned me, 1t is
wonderful that it did not kill me"
"Your head is badly cut and bruised"
said the other. examining it. But If
the last thing you remember is your fall,
how did you get back here in the road?
Ibid you find me in the road?' asked
Derwent with surprise. Then | can
only imagine that the man who shot me
had sufficient humanity to drag me back
where might be found. suppose that
he robbed me-yes. my watch is gone
and also my purse"
But We're you travelling alone?"
mo. | had dropped behind my party
because was tired of riding and wanted
to walk little. OF course they will dis
cover my absence soon, and return for
me"
1T is strange that they have not done
k1E 81, hat
shot"
About two o'clock. am certain of
that, for had glanced at my watch not
long before.
1T is now four. Is it not little
strange that they have not returned be-
fore this time to look for your"
"It is incomprehensible." said Der
went. Can they have been killed.
THAT is very unlikely. Nothing of
this kind has occurred before in years,
and while robber might be bold enough
to attack solitary traveller, he would
consider long before attacking party
How many were your"
"Five-and well armed"
''The thing is impossible, then. But
this is not the time or place to investl-
gate the affair. That must be done later.
Meanwhile the sooner you get medical
attendance the better. Do you think
you can manage to sit in saddle and
ride few milesf"
IF it must be done | can do it" said
Derwent with a certain grim resolution
Help me TO rise.
1t was with a gentleness equal to his
strength that the tall, strong stranger
assisted him to his feet. Then he called
a mozo. who brought up richly capari-
soned horse of beautiful build and chest
nut color.
81 will put you on my own horse said
the gentleman, because he walks well,
and will carry you with as little jar as is
compatible with any motion"
You are truly a good samaritan
said Derwent gratefully. May ! ask if
we are countrymenr
only in tongue, | fancy" answered
the other II am an Irishman-Maurice