The Delta independent., 1911-04-14
CHAPTER XIV.

~ high on the rocky breast OF
the great peak whose splintered crest
lorded the range. Snow fields lay al
about, and a few feet higher up the
canyons were filed with ice. 1t was Il
savage and tempest swept spot In
which to pitch tent. but there among
the rocks shivered the minute canvas
home of the shepherd, and close be
side it. 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 therer shouted Ross, won
dering at the absence of human life
about the camp. "Hello. the house!"
Receiving no answer to his hail. he
turned to Wetherford. Looks as if
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 recoiled a step. "Small-
pox! What makes you think that?"
well. these Basques have been hav-
ing it over in their settlement, and, be-
sides. 1t smells like it" He listened a
moment. I'm afraid Joe's In for it.
He's crazy with 1t. But he's human
being, and we can't let him die here
alone. You rustic some wood for the
him.
Wetherford was old and wasted and
thin blooded, but he had never been a
coward. and in his heart there still
burned small fame 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 1 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 aud
I'll go In and see hats the matter"
Cevanagh looked him in the face an
instant. Every WELL" said he, "Ill 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 to
the pipe the small domicie took on
cheer. Wetherford knew how to care
for the sick and in the shelter of the
canvas wall developed unforeseen Wig
or and decision. 1t was amazing to
Cavanagh to witness his change of
manner
Soon pan of water was stea ming
and some hot stones were at the suf
ferer's feet, and when Wetherford ap
peared at the door of the tent his face
There isn't a thing but heel of ba
con and little flour in the place"
Twenty miles of most difficult trai
lay between Cavanagh's cabin ant
this spot. To carry the sick man OF
his horse would not only be painful t.
the sufferer, but dangerous to the res
cuer. for II the Basque were really II
of smallpox contagion would surel,
| follow. On the other hand. to leav,
him to die here unaided seemed inhu
man, impossible.
There Is only one thing to do" HI
called to Wetherford. "and that Is 70
me to ride back to the station ant
bring up some extra bedding and m.
own tent and SO camp down besid
you"
IAN right, but remember I've estab
lished a quarantine. I'll crack you
head II you break over the line al
inch"
There was no longer any feeling o
reaching up or reaching down between
the two men-they were equals. Weth
erford, altogether admirable. seemed
to have regained his manhood as h
stood In the door of the tent confront
ing the ranger. This Basque ain
much of a find: but. as you say. he
human. and we can't let him lie her