“You cubs better clear out of here now,” suggested one of the rodmen. “I know better how to take care of men with mountain fever.” “I hope you do know more about nursing than I do, Carter,” replied Tom very quietly. “In the future, however, don’t forget that, though I may be a cub, I am an engineer, and you are a rodman. When you speak to me address me as Mr. Reade. Come, men, all out of here but the nurse.” Once in the open Tom turned to Harry with eyes ablaze. “Harry, could anything be tougher? The chief away, the acting chief down with fever and on the verge of delirium---and a crooked engineer in our crowd who’s doing his best to sell out the S.B. & L.---bag, baggage and charter!” CHAPTER XI THE CHIEF TOTTERS FROM COMMAND It was not like Tom Reade to waste time in wondering what to do. “Harry,” he continued, once more turning upon his chum, “I want you to get a pony saddled as fast as you can. You know that the telegraph wire is being brought along as fast as it can be done. This morning I heard Rutter say that it was hardly five miles back of us on the trail. Get into saddle, wire the chief at the construction camp, and bring back his orders as fast as you can ride.” Hazelton replied only with a nod, then broke into a sprint for the spot where the saddle animals were tethered. Two minutes later Harry, though not a crack horseman, left camp at a gallop. In Blaisdell’s tent matters dragged along. Ice was needed, but none was to be had. Cloths were wrung out in spring water and applied to the sick man’s head. Within half an hour Tom received word that the acting chief was “out of his head.” Later on Hazelton galloped back into camp bearing this despatch: “Reade, Engineer Corps. Take charge of camp until Rutter returns. Then turn over charge to him. Rush for the nearest physician; engage him to remain at camp and look after Blaisdell. I return tonight. (Signed) Thurston, Chief Engineer.” “Men,” called Tom striding over to the little party of rodmen, “tell me where the nearest physician is to be found.” “Doe Jitney, at Bear’s Cave,” replied one of the men. “How far is that?” “Fourteen miles, by the trail.” “Get on to a pony, then, and go after Dr. Gitney. Bring him here and tell him we’ll want him here for the present. Tell the doctor to bring all the medicines he’ll need, and both of you ride fast.” “I’m not going on your orders,” retorted the man sullenly. “Yes, you are,” Tom informed him promptly. “I’m in charge, for the present, and acting under Mr. Thurston’s orders. If you don’t go, you won’t eat any more in this camp, or draw any more pay here. It’s work or jump for you---and discharge if you lose or waste any time on the way. Mr. Blaisdell’s life is at stake. Rustle!” The man so ordered scowled, but he rose, went over and saddled a pony and rode out of camp.