[CHAPTER XII.]
A SCIENTIFIC FACT.
For an instant, following Motor Matt's tragic announcement, McGlory and Burton were stricken dumb with horror. The cowboy was first to recover his wits, and he leaped to the back of Burton's horse.
"Doctor!" he shouted, galloping madly along the road between the ropes that separated the crowd; "we want a doctor! Where's a doctor?"
In a crowd like that it was natural that there should be many doctors, and no less than three forced themselves through the throng, dived under the ropes, and hurried to Motor Matt.
Among these three physicians was Doctor Horton, an old man of no particular school, but widely read and eminent in his profession.
"He'll die," said one of the medical men. "If that snake was a genuine cobra, and if its fangs were not removed, Motor Matt might as well make his will—and be quick about it."
"My opinion exactly," said the other physician.
"Bosh!" answered Doctor Horton derisively.