The Delta independent., 1911-05-19
BY HAMLIN GARLAND
Copyright. 1910. by Hamlin Garland

Ia the use of shouting judgment
against man like Cavanagh before
you know the facts? He's one of the
best and ablest rangers on this forest
don't know why he has resigned.
but I'm sure
Has he resigned?" asked Gregg ea-
gerly.
HE has"
"a good job for him. was about to
circulate a petition to have him re-
moved"
"If all the stockmen in the valley
had signed a petition against him it
wouldn't have done any good" re-
piled Dalton. I'VE know a good man
when we see him. I'm here to offer
him promotion. not to punish him.
Lee. looking about at the faces of
these men and seeing disappointment
in their faces. lost the keen sting of
her own humiliation. I'm the midst Of
such fight as this how can he give
time or thought to me?" Painful as
the admission was. she was forced to
admit that she was a very humble
factor In very large campaign. But
suppose he falls illr' Her face grew
white and set and her lips bitter
THAT would be the final tragic touch. -
she thought. Ito have him come down
of plague from nursing one of Sam
Gregg's sheep herders.'' Aloud she
said: His resignation comes just in
time. doesn't it? He can now be sick
without loss to the service"
Dalton answered her THE super
visor has not accepted his resignation.
IN, fIn
higher position. His career as a for
ester is only beginning He would be
foolish to give up the work now. when
the avenues of promotion are just
opening. can offer him very soon
the supervision of a forest"
AS they talked Lee felt herself sink
ing the while her lover rose 1t was
all true. The forester was right
Ross was capable of any work they
might demand of him. He was too
skilled. too intelligent. too manly. to
remain In the forest. heroic as its du-
ties seemed.
Upon this discussion Lie. hobbling
painfully. appeared. With a cry Of
surprise Lee rose to meet her.
"Mother, you must not do thisI'
She waved her away. I'm all
right" she said. barring the big mar
bles in my slippers" Then she turned
to Dalton Now. what's it all about?
Is it true that Ross is DOWN."
mo. So far as we know, be Is
we'll"
well, I'm going to find out don't
intend to set here and have him up
there without cook or nurse"
AT this moment a tall, fair young
fellow, dressed In II rangers uniform.
entered the room and made his way
directly to the spot where Lee. her
mother and Redfeld were standing.
''NIr. Supervisor Cavanagh has sent
me to tell you that he needs a doctor.
He's got u sick man up at the station.
and he's afraid it's a case Of small
pox." He turned to Lee. HE :old
me to tell you that he would have
written. only he was afraid to even
send letter out"
what does he need?" asked Red
field
"He needs medicine and food, doc
tor. and he ought to have nurse"
THAT'S my job" said Lie.
"Nonsense," said Redfield You're
not fit to ride a mile. won't hear of
your going"
"You wait and see. I'm going. and
you can't stop me-"
"Who is the man with him?" asked
the forester.
81 don't know-an old herder. he
said He said he could take care of
him all right for the present, but that
If he were taken down himself
Lees mounting emotion broke from
her in little cry. "Oh. Mr.. Redfield,
please let me go too! want to help!
] must helpr'
Redfeld said: "Ill telephone to Sui
phur City and ask Brooks to get a
nurse and come down as soon as pos
sible. Meanwhile III go out to see
what the conditions are"
"Fm going, too. tell you" announc-
ed Lie. 1--WE had the cussed dis
ease. and I'm not afraid Of 1t. We
had three sieges of 1t In my family.
You get me up there. and I'll do the
rest"
But you are ILL.,"
81 was. but I'm not now" Her voice
Deeu lOT
"All l needed was something to do.
Ross Cavanagh has been like a son to
me for two years. He's the one man
in this country I'd turn my hand over
for-barring yourself. Reddy-and it's
my Job to see him through this pinch"
In spite Of all opposition she had
her way. Returning to her room to
get such clothing as she needed for
her stay in the hills. she waited for
Redfeld to send a carriage to her. 81
can't ride a horse no more" she sor.