He strode off. The Professor nodded approvingly. He had grit himself, and esteemed it highly in others.
"I must pull him through," he muttered.
* * * * *
When the Professor reached the bunk-house, he found three tall strong men awaiting him. Their faces, tanned by many suns, exhibited a curious uniformity of tint--the colour of dirty gruel.
Dan said in a voice that trembled--
"These are my friends, Jimmie Barker and Pete Holloway. They helped open up that derned spring. They drank a plenty of the water. Jimmie, here, couldn't git enough of it. They've the same symptoms as I hev."
Jimmie and Pete writhed.
"Pins and needles all over," said Pete.
"Went to sleep on an ants' nest onst," said Jimmie faintly. "This is a heap worse."
"Heaven help you!" ejaculated the Professor.