“There’s nothing you can do but take care of this man. But as soon as you are able to ride again, I’ve got some special work for you. I want you to join with young Bingham, the ranger on Rock Creek, and line up the ‘Triangle’ cattle. Murphy is reported to have thrown on the forest nearly a thousand head more than his permit calls for. I want you to see about that. Then complete your maps so that I can turn them in on the first of November, and about the middle of December you are to take charge of this forest in my stead. Eleanor has decided to take the children abroad for a couple of years, and as I am to be over there part of the time, I don’t feel justified in holding down the Supervisor’s position. I shall resign in your favor. Wait, now!” he called, warningly. “The District Forester and I framed all this up as we rode down the hill yesterday, and it goes. Oh yes, there’s one thing more. Old man Dunn—”
“I know.”
“How did you learn it?”
“A reporter came boiling over the ridge about noon to-day, wanting me to give him the names which Dunn had given me. I was strongly tempted to do as he asked me to—you know these newspaper men are sometimes the best kind of detectives for running down criminals; but on second thought I concluded to wait until I had discussed the matter with you. I haven’t much faith in the county authorities.”
“Ordinarily I would have my doubts myself,” replied Redfield, “but the whole country is roused, and we’re going to round up these men this time, sure. The best men and the big papers all over the West are demanding an exercise of the law, and the reward we have offered—” He paused, suddenly. “By-the-way, that reward will come to you if you can bring about the arrest of the criminals.”
“The reward should go to Dunn’s family,” replied the ranger, soberly. “Poor chap, he’s sacrificed himself for the good of the State.”
“That’s true. His family is left in bad shape—”
Cavanagh broke off the conversation suddenly. “I must go back to—” he had almost said “back to Wetherford.” “My patient needs me!” he exclaimed.
“How does he seem?”
“He’s surely dying. In my judgment he can’t last the night, but so long as he’s conscious it’s up to me to be on the spot.”