“I can’t hold still while you do that, without chloroform,” says Meacham.
The doctor feels his pulse, and says, “You have lost too much blood to take chloroform.”
“Then let it stay until I am stronger,” rejoins Meacham.
For once doctors agree, one of them saying, “The finger would not disfigure a corpse very much.”
“Please ask Gen. Gilliam to send to Linkville for my wife’s brother, Capt. Ferree,” comes from the bloodless lips of the wounded man.
“My dear fellow,” replies the kind-hearted doctor, “the general sent a courier for him hours ago.”
This thoughtful act of kindness, on the part of Gen. Gilliam, has touched the heart of the sufferer. When he awakes again Capt. Ferree was bending over him and remarking, “He will be blind if he recovers, won’t he, doctor?”
“He won’t be very handsome, that’s a fact,” says the nurse.
In the Modoc camp, when the murderous bands arrive with their scanty plunder, a general quarrel ensues, and bitter reproaches are heard against Hooker Jim for not securing Mr. Dyer, and against Curly
Jack and Curly-haired Doctor, for the escape of Maj. Boyle, and on account of the clothing taken from the murdered men. Captain Jack claims the uniform of Gen. Canby. Bogus and Boston divide the clothing taken from Dr. Thomas, and Shacknasty Jim, Hooker Jim and old Schonchin are awarded the clothing and effects of Meacham.