"It was, Mac. And you came in fine on the home stretch!"
"What d'ye mean—home stretch?" queried Donald leaning over.
"You saved me from Quade."
Donald fairly groaned.
"I didn't, Johnny—I didn't! DeBar killed 'im. It was all over when I come. On'y—Johnny—I had a most cur'ous word with Culver Rann afore he died!"
In his eagerness Aldous was again trying to sit up when Joanne appeared in the doorway. With a little cry she darted to him, forced him gently back, and brushed old Donald off the edge of the bunk.
"Go out and watch the broth, Donald," she commanded firmly. Then she said to Aldous, stroking back his hair, "I forbade you to talk. John, dear, aren't you going to mind me?"
"Did Quade get me with the knife?" he asked.
"No, no."
"Am I shot?"