The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1902-09-19

q = n --
The kindly officer swung his short
person into the saddle, gave the COM
mand and the troop moved northeast
ward at trot.
Entering the sick-room with Mrs.
Glynn, Lois saw stretched upon low
single bed a long form, swathed to the
shoulders In a night robe and covered
with a sheet to the chin. It had
been already unclothed by some of the
Mexicans and the red-stained gar
ments had been removed. Con-
seriousness was returning as the re-
suit of liberal dose OF brandy forced
between the pale lips, from which now
and then faint moan came. She saw
man, young and TAN, with huge
shoulders, great barred neck and long
muscular arms and deep chest-evi-
dentlya powerful and active man. He
was young, with a handsome, refined
face of Greek outline. 1t was pale now
and the antique look Of it was helped
by mass of short clustering golden
curls which hung over the brow. This
As~SS 8,
culine and poetic-a remarkable face.
The firmly hung jaw and level brows
denoted will power and the clenching
of the strong, even white teeth, show
ing slightly between the parted lips,
proved that all of his reserve force was
battling to repress any outward indi-
cation of pain. He looked stoical so
lying, and once when his eyes opened
the girl saw that they were large,
steady, clear and of gray so dark
that they were almost black. She
stopped at once with pair of scissors
in her right hand and, without speak
ing ripped his shirt apart for space
of twelve inches, laying bare the round
hole made by the bullet. Inspection
showed her that it had gone through
without check, making clear orifice.
She at once bathed the wound lightly
and deftly in water which had been
sterilized by boiling and slightly car
bolized with acid. Bandages, sterilized
in the same way. were applied and fas-
tened with professional rapidity. The
left arm was placed over the chest and
SO bound: Cool cloths were placed on
the hot forehead, for fever had already
set in, and light sleeping potion was
| administered.
ut isn't first aid to the wounded :"
she said, smiling brightly at Mrs.
Glynn. Unfortunately good many
hours have elapsed since he was hurt.
However. think we shall do very
well. He seems young and strong"
There was rather an odd tone of au-
thority and confidence in the voice
which the lady of the rancho was quick
to notice, but she said nothing and to-
gether they withdrew, leaving gentle
Mexican shepherd named Quirino in
stalled as nurse, with strict injunctions
to keep quiet while the prisoner slept
| and to- call Miss English when he
awoke. The eyes of the captive had
been fixed upon Lois while she bathed
and dressed the wound. He took the
medicine without question. The eyes
followed her to the door and remained
| fixed upon it for some moments after
it was closed. He never spoke word
and the firm jaw remained set. Then
his lids fell down slowly and he sank
into slumber.
Late that afternoon a government
ambulance drawn by four mules, each
branded "U. ST." rolled to the rancho
house and from 1t descended long,
lean man with gray mustache and
face burned nearly black by the south
western suns. He brought a large
leather case with him. He was clad
in canvas trousers, flannel shirt, the
blue uniform coat Of his rank and the
universal black military sombrero. He
bowed politely to the. two women who
stood upon the porch, shook hands
with Mrs. Glynn and acknowledged his
introduction to Lois with another bow.
II understand" he said in a matter
of fact voice, ''that you have a snug
gler here, shot through just above the
left lung. I'm sorry that I could not
arrive sooner. Such life probably
was not worth saving, but we like to
do our best. It is one Of the many
curses of the profession that we feel
obliged to treat all sorts Of people.
many of whom would be much better
dead than alive. When did he die?"
The rancho hostess looked at him in
amazement; Lois laughed.
He isn't dead" she said. HE
seems very strong"
What" exclaimed the surgeon.
Lived all Of these hours with wound,
like that and without treatment! It is
true that the Mexicans sometimes show
wonderful resistance, to shock"
'.The prisoner, ia not Mexican"
Lois returned. q think he lie Ameri-
can like ourselves. Come and see him"
&. She, led the way to the sick room.
The patientswaked as they entered and
his eyes were Immediately fastened, on
the girl. Apparently he was not aware
that the others had entered. The sur
Sgson glanced ct the bandages, then
looked sharply up. N
8 VINO did this! '' he Asked. e * = d
Il did," Miss English answered.