Then Jack called out “boots and saddles,” with the whole four mounting their waiting steeds, and galloping along the trail.
XXVII
ON THE DANGEROUS TRAIL
The horses being fresh after the all-night bivouac, the little party made good time along the crooked trail. Perk was enjoying himself to the limit, taking in all the old familiar sights—how well he remembered different happenings that were connected with this, or that special spot; indeed, he found it hard to believe some years had passed since he followed this path between Frazer’s trading-post of the great Hudson’s Bay Fur Company, and the Mounties’ further north station.
It was going on nine when they again came in sight of the long log building that housed the factor and his belongings—such as Hawk and his bold crowd had left untouched during their recent raid.
All seemed peaceful at the post, although the ashes marking the burned annex told how some unusual event must have recently taken place.
They found Old Jimmy getting along as well as could be expected, but anxious for the coming of the doctor, in whom he had every confidence in the world. A superficial examination quickly put Dr. Hamilton in possession of sufficient knowledge upon which to base a verdict.
“Nothing very serious, McGregor,” he told the factor, in a cheery tone that did much to dissipate any fears the other may have entertained as to the outcome of his wounds.
Jack and Perk too, were relieved, for both of them had reason to feel a burden was lifted from their hearts—Perk because of his old friendship for the factor; and Jack on account of his having given “first aid” to the victim of the lawless Hawk’s latest raid.
Turning to Jack Dr. Hamilton surveyed him with kindling eyes.
“If, as you said, young man,” he told the flyer, “you are only an amateur at handling cases like this, I want to tell you everything has been carried out in a way that would not have shamed the best of surgeons. Jimmy will owe a lot to your skillful work. And let me further say most earnestly, that if at some future date it ever occurs to you to change your profession, should you choose to follow that of surgery, I can easily predict a more than ordinary success awaits you—remember that, Jack.”