XX
An Unfortunate Affair
Billy Duncan was in a bad way, so it was reported to the men upon the works, and the men to show their sympathy and liking for the fair-haired, happy-go-lucky Billy Duncan made up a purse of $90 and sent it to him by Dan Treu, the big deputy-sheriff, who also was Billy Duncan's friend.
"It'll buy fruit for the kid, something to read, and a special nurse if he needs one," they told the deputy and they gave the money with the warmest of good wishes.
Dan Treu took their gift to the hospital, and Billy Duncan burst into tears when he saw him.
"Oh, come, come! Buck up, Billy, you're goin' to pull through all right."
"Dan! Dan! Take me out of here—take me away! Quick!"
The deputy looked his surprise.
"What's the matter, Billy? What's wrong?"