The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1911-02-18
CHAPTER XIV.
PLAGUE AND MURDER.

anagh and Wetherford entered
upon n wide and sterile slope
high on the rocky breast Of
the great peak whose splintered crest
lorded the range. Snow fields lay all
about. and a few feet higher up the
canyons were filed with ice. 1t was a
savage and tempest swept spot In
which to pitch a tent. but there among
the rocks shivered the minute canvas
home Of the shepherd, and close be-
side 1t, guarded by lone dog and ly
Ing like "A thick spread flock Of rimy
powders almost unnoticeable in their
silent immobility) huddled the sheep.
There's your house" shouted Ross
to wetherford.
The older man, with white face OF
dismay, looked about him, unable to
make reply.
Hello. there"' shouted Ross, won
dering at the absence of human life
about the camp. Hello, the houser
Receiving no answer to his hail, he
turned to Wetherford Looks as II
Ambro has pulled out and left the col
lie to tend the flock. He's been kind of
seedy for some days"
Dismounting, he approached the tent
The collie, who knew him, seemed to
understand his errand, for he leaped
upon him as If to kiss his cheek. Ross
put him down gently. You're almost
too glad to see me, old fellow. l won
der how long you've been left here
alone"
ThereupOn he opened the tied flap,
but started back with instant percep-
ton Of something wrong, for there, on
his pile of ragged quilts, lay the
Basque herder, with flushed face and
rolling eyes, crazed with fever and en-
tirely helpless. You'd better not come
In here, Wetherford," Ross warned
Joe is here, horribly sick, and I'm
afraid it's something contagious. 1t
may be smallpox"
Wetherford recolled step small
pox! What makes you think that?"
well, these Basques have been hay
ing 1t over In their settlement, and, be-
sides, 1t smells like it." He listened
moment "I'm afraid Joe's In for It.
He's crazy with It. But he's human
being, and we can't let him die here
alone. You rustic some wood for the
stove, and I'll see what / can do for
him"
Wctherford was old aud wasted and
thin bloOded, but he had never been n
coward, ana in his heart there still
burned small flame OF his youthful,
reckless. generous daring. Pushing
Cavanagh one side, he said with firm
decision: You keep out OF there. I'm
the one to play nurse. This Is my
job"
NONSENSE | am younger and
stronger than you"
Get away" shouted the older man.
Gregg hired me TO do this work, and
1t don't matter whether l live or die
But you've got something to do In the
world. My girl needs you, and she
don't need me, so get out of here and
stay out Go bring me that wood and
I'll so In and see hats the matter"
Cavanagh looked him In the face an
instant, Very WELL" said he, "I'n do
as you say. There's no use of our
both taking chances"
1t was beginning TO rain, and the
tent was dark and desolate, but as the
! fire In the little stove commenced e
snarl and the smoke to pour out
the pipe the small dOmlcile took on
cheer, Wetherford knew how to care
| for the sick and I'm the shelter OF the
canvas wall developed unforeseen Wig
or and decision. IL was amazing TO
Cavanagh to witness his change OF
manner.
Soon a pan Of water was steaming.
and some hot stones were at the suf-
ferer's feet, and when Wetherford APP