The squatter king took his rifle and offered to show the boys where their planting was done, and more for the sake of getting a little exercise than for any especial desire to see the corn patch, they agreed.
The other squatters eyed them as they passed in company with old King, but said nothing. Some of the youngsters started to follow, but a mere threatening look was enough to set them scurrying away.
“You seem to be the boss around here,” remarked Garry.
“Yes, I’m a King by name, and I aim to be king of these people so long as I breathe,” answered the man gravely; and Garry, looking at his immense frame and stern eye, thought he had a good chance of continuing in his royal capacity.
They were looking at the corn patch with only a pretended interest, when they heard a scream from King’s cabin.
“That’s my baby,” said King in a frightened tone. “Something’s hurt her!”
CHAPTER XVI
GARRY SAVES A LIFE
They rushed back to the cabin and a sight met their eyes that stunned them all.
The youngster with childish curiosity, had climbed up on the table and captured the bottle of iodine. It was immediately evident that the child had drunk some of the poison, for its lips were stained. There was no telling how much the child had drunk, for the bottle had fallen to the floor, spilling some of the liquid over the floor.
The old man seized his child in his arms, and tears began to roll down his cheeks.