Pagina 328 van 439

The Texan had ceased talking, and was silent, except for a low

moan, repeated at regular intervals. The doctor showed Arlie how

to administer the anaesthetic after he had washed the wound.

While he was searching for the bullet with his probe she flinched

as if he had touched a bare nerve, but she stuck to her work

regardless of her feelings, until the lead was found and

extracted and the wound dressed.

Afterward, Dick found her seated on a rock outside crying

hysterically. He did not attempt to cope with the situation, but

returned to the house and told Lee.

"Best thing for her. Her nerves are overwrought and unstrung.

She'll be all right, once she has her cry out. I'll drift around,

and jolly her along."

The doctor presently came up and took a seat beside her.

"Wha--what do you think, doctor?" she sobbed.

"Well, I think it's tarnation hot operating with a big kerosene

lamp six inches from your haid," he said, as he mopped his

forehead.

"I mean--will he--get well?"