Semi-weekly herald., 1911-03-20


lay between Cavanagh's cabin and
this spot To carry the sick man or
his horse would not only be painful tc
the sufferer. but dangerous to the res.
cuer, for II the Basque were really III
of smallpox contagion would surely
follow. On the other hand. to leave
him to die here unalded seemed inhu.
man. impossible.
There is only one thing to do" he
called to Wetherford, ''and that Is fol
me to ride back to the station and
bring up some extra bedding and my
own tent and so camp down beside
you"
An right, but remember I've estah
lished II quarantine. I'll crack your
head If you break over the line an
inch"
There was no longer any feeling OF
reaching up or reaching down between
!. the two men-thcy were equals, Weth
erford, altogether admirable, seemed
to have regained his manhood as he
stood in the door of the tent confront
ing the ranger. This Basque ain't
much of find: but. as you say, he's
human. and we can't let him lie here
and die I'll stay with him TIL you
can find a doctor or till he dies"
Il take OF my hat to you" respond
ed Cavanagh you are "A man"
Once back at his cabin after leaving
Wetherford. Cavanagh set himself tn
cooking some food to take back with
him to the peak He brought In his
pack horse and burdened him with
camp outfit and utensils and extra
clothing He filled his pockets with
such medicines as he possessed, and
80 at last. Just az night was falling. he
started back over his difficult trail
Wetherford met him st the door, no
longer the poor old tramp. but priest,
one who has devoted himself to
Christ's service.
How is hei" asked the ranger.
"Delirious." replied the herder 1--WE
had to hold him to his bed. I'm glad
you've come. It's lonesome up here
Don't come too near. Set your tent
down there by the trees. | can't have
you Infected. Keep clear of Inc and
this camp"
1--WE got some food and some extra
clothing for you"
Put 'em down here, and IN the
morning drive these sheep away. That
noise disturbs the dago, and don't
like IT myself; they sound lonesome
and helpless. That dog took 'em away
for awhile, but brought 'em back
again. Poor devil, he don't know what
to think Of It ALL"
Ross did AS Wetherford commanded
him to do and withdrew little way
down the slope and without putting
up his tent rolled himself in his blan-
kets and went to sleep
The rangers first duty in the morn
ing was to feed the faithful collie and
TO send him forth with the flock. His
next was to build fire and cook some
breakfast for Wetherford, and as he
put 1t down beside the tent door he
heard the wild pleading OF the Basque
who was struggling with his nurse.
doubtless In the belief that he was
being kept prisoner. Only Il few
words like "go home and sheep
were Ineligible to either the nurse or
the ranger.
Cavanagh waited till silence came
then called softly. Here's your break
fast, Wetherford."
Move away retorted the man
within. Keep your distance"
Ross walked away little space,
and Wetherford came to the door
"The dago is sure sick. There's no
two ways about that. How far IL 1t
to the nearest doctor?"
Il could reach one by phone from
the Kettle ranch, about twenty miles
below here
IF he don't get better today l reck-
on well have to have DOCTOR He
looked SO white and old that Cava-
nagh said;
you need rest. Now, think I've
had the smallpox. | know I've been
vaccinated. and II you go to bed
III you're saying all that preliminary
to Offering to come In here you're
wasting your breath l don't intend
to let you come any nearer than you
are. There is work for you to do. Be-
sides. there's my girl. You're detailed
to look after her"
would doctor coinef' asked Ross
quite huskily, moved by Wetherford's
words. ITS hard climb. Would
they think the dago worth itY'
Wetherford's face darkened with
look of doubt. at is q hard trip for a
city man, but maybe he would come
for you-for the government"
81 doubt It, even II | were to offer
my next months salary as fee.
These hills are very remote to the
townsfolk and one dago more or less
Of no Importance, but I'll see what
can do"
Ross was really more concerned for
wetherford himself than for the
Basque. "If the fever is something
malignant we must have medical aid"
he said and went slowly back to his
own camp to ponder his puzzling prob
lem.
One thing could certainly be done.
and that was to inform Gregg and
Murphy Of their herder's illness. Sure
ly they would come to the rescue OF
the collie and his flock. To reach
telephone involved either ride over
into Deer Creek or return to the
Eork ua u,as tpmntad TO ride all the