The stranger rose weakly to his feet, and for a moment could not be understood. Garry thought that he must have been gagged for some little time, as his thick speech indicated that his tongue was probably swollen.
“Guess you came just about in time,” he finally managed to utter.
“From the looks of things here you’re right,” answered Garry. “But who are you?”
Then came the astonishing answer:
“Name’s Simmons. I’m a United States postal inspector!”
CHAPTER XI
GARRY FINDS RUTH
“You’re who?” asked Garry, so astonished that he almost stuttered.
“Simmons, I told you; but first, have you any water?”
Garry had been so flustered by Ruth’s fainting that he had forgotten his canteen, which lay outside with his knapsack. He dashed out of the shack and in a moment returned with it.
He gave the man a little, cautioning him to be careful and not drink too much. The man realized the sense of this, and drank sparingly.