Abbeville progress. (Abbeville, Vermilion Parish, La.) 1913-1944, 1913-05-24
CHAPTER xIII.-(Continued.)

N6RH 6H NlII.-tSont'Huco'J
A good fire was started. and the fu-
nereal aspect of the oasis became
quick and cheerful A little distance
from the blaze. George saw Fortune
bending over the inanimate Ryanne
She was bathing his face with wet
handkerchief. After a time Ryanne
turned over and flung his arms Imply
across his face. 1t was the first sign
OF life he had exhibited since the
start. Fortune gently pulled aside
his arms and continued her tender
mercies.
Can l help?" asked George.
You might rub his wrists" she
answered.
Il seemed odd TO him that they
should begin in such matter-offact
way. 1t would be only when they
situation that questions would put
forth for answers. He knelt down at
the other side Of Ryanne and mas
saged his wrists and arms. Once he
paused. catching his breath.
What is it," she asked.
"A rib seems to bother me. tn be
all right tomorrow" He went on
with his manipulations.
els he badly hurt?"
81 can't say"
His knowledge of anatomy was not
wide: still. Ryanne's arms and legs
worked satisfactorily. The trouble
was either in his head or back OF his
ribs. He put his arm under Ryanne's
shoulder and raised him. Ryanne
mumbled some words. George bent
down to catch them. "Hit 'em up in
this half, boys; we've got them going.
He'll! Get off my head. you farmer!
Two cards. please" His
face puckered into what was intended
for a smile. George laid him back
gently. Football and poker: what
had this man not known or seen In
life? Some one came between the
two men and the fire, casting a long
shadow athwart them. George looked
up and saw Mahomed standing close
by. His arms were folded and his
face grimly inscrutable,
Have you any blankets?" asked
George coolly.
Mahomed gave an order. blanket
and two saddle-bags were thrown
down beside the unconscious man.
George made pillow of the bags and
laid the blanket over Ryanne.
why do you waste your time over
0im?" asked Mahomed curiously.
IL would not let dog die this way"
he retorted.
HE would have let you die" replied
Mahomed, turning upon his heel.
George stared thoughtfuliy at his
whiiom accomplice. What did the
old villain :nsinuate?
Can | do anything TO make you
more comfortable?" speaking to For
tune.
I'm all right. was chilled little
while ago, but the fire has done away
with that. Thank you"
"You must eat when they bring you
food"
III try to-" smiling hravely.
To take her in his arms, then and
there, to appease their hunger and
his hearts.
Self-consciously, her hand stole TO
her hair A color came into her
cheeks. How frightful she must look!
Neither hair-pin nor comb was left.
She threw the strands across her
shoulder and plucked the snarls and
tangles apart, then braided the whole.
He watched her, fascinated. He had
never seen a woman do this before.
1t was almost a sacrilege for him TO
be so near her at such moment.
Afterward she drew her blanket over
her shoulders.
You've got lots of pluck"
"Have II"
"Yes You haven't asked a question
yet"
Would II help any,"
NO. / don't suppose II would. I've
an idea that we're all on the way 10
the home Of Haroun-al-Rashid."
"Bagdad." musingly.
Its the rug. But / do not under
stand you in the picture"
"No more do J."
With a consideration that spoke
we'll Of his understanding, he did not
speak to her again till food was
passed. Later, when the full terror
of the affair took hold Of her, she
would be dreadfully lonely and woaid
head TO see him near. to hear MS