Barney dropped quickly on his knees beside the bed, threw his arms about his friend, and held him for a few moments in a tight embrace. “God bless you, 'Mexico,' for that word,” he said. “Goodbye, my friend.”
They held each other fast for a moment or two, looking into each other's eyes as if taking a last farewell. Then Barney took his journey through the storm, which was still raging, his fever mounting higher with every moment, back to the hospital, where Margaret received him with a brave welcoming smile.
“Dr. Cotton has returned,” she announced. “And Dr. Neeley of Nelson is here, Barney.”
He gave her a look of understanding. He knew well what she meant. “That was right, Margaret. And Dick?”
“Dick will be here this afternoon.”
“You think of everything, Margaret dear, and everybody except yourself,” said Barney, as he made his way painfully up the stairs.
“Let me help you, Barney,” she said, putting her arms about him. “You're the one who will not think of yourself.”
“We've all been learning from you, Margaret. And it is the best lesson, after all.”
The consultation left no manner of doubt as to the nature of the trouble and the treatment necessary. It was appendicitis, and it demanded immediate operation.
“We can wait till my brother comes, can't we, Doctor?” Barney asked, a little anxiously. “An hour can't make much difference now, you know.”