Pagina 318 di 439

Dick took a bucket to the creek, and presently returned with it.

In his right hand he carried his revolver. When he reached the

cabin he gave an audible sigh of relief and quickly locked the

door.

"Of course you'll have to go for help, Dick. Bring old Doc Lee."

"Why, Arlie, I can't leave you here alone. What are you talking

about?"

"You'll have to. It's the only thing to do. You'll have to give

me your revolver. And, oh, Dick, don't lose a moment on the way."

He was plainly troubled. "I just can't leave you here alone,

girl. What would your father say if anything happened? I don't

reckon anything will, but we can't tell. No, I'll stay here, too.

Steve must take his chance."

"You'll not stay." She flamed round upon him, with the fierce

passion of a tigress fighting for her young. "You'll go this

minute--this very minute!"

"But don't you see I oughtn't to leave you? Anybody would tell

you that," he pleaded.

"And you call yourself his friend," she cried, in a low, bitter

voice.