When the stretcher changed hands, we carefully examined Nucky for any change in pulse or temperature. There was none. Nearly six hours the march lasted,--the way was rough, the snow and ice made the footing uncertain, the evening hours before the moon rose were dark. At last we made the last turn, and came in sight of the school and the village beyond. Rich Tarrant then laid a hand on Blant's arm. "Right here is where you take a back track, Blant," he said, firmly; "it haint sensible for you to walk right spang into the teeth of the sheriff and the jail,--you can't afford to lose no time that way, your family not being able to do without you." "That's so," said Blant, "I plumb forgot. Seems like I can't stand to leave the little chap, though." "You got it to do. He'll be took good care of. You follow the ridges back." Blant laid a large, tender hand on Nucky's head, and without a word, turned and struck straight up the nearest mountain, Rich watching till he was out of sight. "That boy certainly sees more than his fill of trouble," he sighed; "I wisht I could help him more,--I would glad lay down my life for him." "You proved that last winter," I said, remembering the bullet he took in his breast. "Oh, that wa'n't nothing at all," he deprecated. Sure enough, when we reached the hospital, there in the crowd of people who had heard of our coming and gathered to meet us, was the sheriff. And now Nucky is safe in the nurse's care, his wounds properly dressed, and all means being used to keep life in him, the surgeon is on the way, and if he can live until to-morrow, he may be saved. I can only watch and pray. XXI SUSPENSE _Wednesday Morning._ The best surgeon in the state arrived at noon yesterday, performed the trephining at once, and having done all that skill and science could, started back on his long horseback ride. Nucky continued in the deep sleep from which he might pass into either life or death. All afternoon, and into the night, we watched in vain for signs of returning consciousness. About ten, the door opened noiselessly, and Blant and Rich stepped in out of the night. Two hours later, Nucky's head began to move from side to side, and he moaned occasionally. A little past one, he suddenly opened his eyes and looked at Blant. "They never got you, did they?" he asked, feebly. "Who, son?" "Todd and Dalt; they was fixing to layway you when I fired on them." "Is that what made you disobey orders?" inquired Blant. "Yes. The whole bunch of Cheevers come up to the fence, and started to throw down rails; and I was just about to drap down and fetch you the word, when I heared Todd tell the rest to make all the noise they could, so's to tole you out, and him and Dalt would hide in the trees and shoot you as you passed. And then they clim the fence and made for the very spruce-pines where I was at. I knowed I couldn't get away then to warn you, so I done my best to shoot 'em."