“Tom,” said Grace, laying a hand on her husband’s arm, “I wish someone would go out there. Perhaps it isn’t wise that any of us girls should do so, but we are not afraid, if you will permit. Please!”
“Come along, Hippy. I guess it is up to us,” urged Captain Gray.
Hippy protested that he must have food, but Nora promised that, if he would go out, she would have a nice meal ready for him when he returned, so the two men, with drawn revolvers, walked out cautiously to the spot where the mountain bandit had fallen. He was not at the exact spot where he had fallen, but they had no difficulty in following the trail which he had left.
They found Two-gun alive, but unconscious, and a few moments later they were on their way back to camp, carrying the heavy burden. The Overland girls, knowing that the man was still alive because Tom and Hippy were carrying him so carefully, were ready with water, bandages and antiseptics, to give first aid.
“Where is he hit?” was Elfreda’s first question.
“Both shoulders,” answered Tom briefly.
Grace and Elfreda began working on the bandit immediately, and in half an hour he regained consciousness. The girls found that Two-gun was seriously wounded, both bullets having gone through him. They said that he should be taken to some place where surgical aid might be had, but Tom said that was impossible. All that could be done had been done. Further, he said that men of his type were fairly well used to being shot up. No vital spot had been hit and both Tom and Hippy were of the opinion that Two-gun would live to spend at least a few years in prison. This bandit, however, probably had never before enjoyed the really tender treatment such as the girls were giving him. He followed Elfreda’s every movement with his eyes.
“I—I didn’t tell on you—about the saddle and the hoss,” he said weakly.
“I know it,” answered Miss Briggs. “That is one reason why I am trying to take good care of you. But you must be quiet and conserve your strength.”
“Who was the fellow that got me?” demanded Two-gun.