Browning chief. [volume] (Browning, Mont.) 1941-1953, 1945-09-28
CHAPTER XII

Laughlin, 'the mare won't stand
much more"
MAY not have to-" said Doc.
I'm not stumped yet"
They fastened block and tackle
to the wall and ran the rope through
1t. Then Doc fetched an instrument
like a pair of ice tongs, and to Ken's
horror, thrust the points into the
foaPs eye sockets. Then they all
pulled together.
1t moved a little. Flicka heaved
and struggled convulsively. The men
hauled until they we're red in the
face. And suddenly the whole little
body slid out.
Instantly the men undid the ropes
and Gus went to prepare hot mash
for Flicka.
The doctor kneeled over the foal,
which was barely alive.
as it premature?" asked Nell.
1T might be a little. The teeth
are just through. When was the mare
bred?"
1--WE don't know exactly"
"Will it live?" asked Ken.
AhS ooSIOI ulu IlOI dIlS"GAs 4AC
wiped the foal dry and clean, mas
saged it and gave it hypodermic
Injection. 1t was very small but
neatly made filly. It had a short
back, long spidery legs close to-
gether and small fine head with
a dish face. It was pinkish yell
low with blond tail and name.
"Just like Flickal" exclaimed
Nell.
Twill it live?" insisted Ken.
Cant say for sure, it's pretty
weak. But sometimes these little
fellows surprise you. It's just touch
and CO."
They were all astonished to see that
the terrible hooks had not injured
the foals eyes at all.
Nell noticed Ken's face. It was
white and drawn. When Flicka SUI
fered he suffered. She wondered if,
after all the suffering, there would
ever be any good thing come from
the Albino's blood. Would it be, per-
haps, this tiny flly?
Soon Flicka was able to get to her
feet and eat her mash. The filly
showed signs of life and struggled
to rise. Doc and Mclaughlin lifted
it and held it up underneath it's dam
to nurse. When the teat touched
its lips it opened its mouth and be-
gan to suck, and everyone watching
smiled and relaxed.
When it had had enough, it was
put down on the hay again and the
veterinarian prepared to leave.
At this moment, a shadow at the
door blocked out the sunlight. They
turned to look and saw the Goblin
standing there.
If Ken had seen someone returned
from the dead he could hardly have
felt a more violent shock. Over his
whole body there poured wave of
heat, followed by such bliss that he
could not see clearly.
Then Gus's voice exclaimed,
"Yiminy Crickets! LUX at him! He's
tore to pieces!" And Ken's eyes
cleared and he saw the wounds and
scabs on COLLINS white coat and
rushed to him.
Goblin was startled and fled
around the corral. He did not, how
ever, 60 out Of the open gate, but
circled and came hesitatingly back.
Mclaughlin reprimanded Ken
sharply, then, himself, went quietly
toward the colt, his eye running over
him. STEADY, old boy! Gosh! Look
at that ear! That's nice fellow
what rip in the shoulder"
"And there's a piece chewed out
of his fanny!" said Howard.
"That colts sure been in fight"
said the vet, cycling the swollen
shoulder wound. "That was done by
a hoof, and a mighty big one.
I'd better take look at it while
I'm here"
"Get bucket of oats, Howard"
said Mclaughlin, land Ken, bring
the halter"
The Goblin was ravenous for the
oats. They battered him and Nc
Laughlin and the vet examined his
wounds.
"Look here" said Doc, 'here are
some other wounds that are nearly
healed. He's been in two fights.
Look at the mark of claws here on
the other shoulder-might have been
a wildcat"
"And," said Howard excitedly,
''look at the little scars all over the
underside Of his neck and belly
what did that?"
They were scattered snags, nearly
healed. Doc was puzzled. He shook
his head. might be wire snags,"
he said doubtfully.
Every time the Goblin lifted his
nose out of the bucket he turned
his head toward Nell. She smoothed
his face, wondering if this ended
all their future hopes. That Shout
der wound looked deep. If it had
reached the bones or tendons-