“What are you doing walking?” asked Middleton. “Has your horse got away?”
The Doctor smiled half-grimly. “Yes, some time ago.” The smile died slowly out. “I have no horse now,” he said, gravely. “I lost my horse some time ago, and have not been able to procure one since.” Middleton looked so shocked that the Doctor added, “Usually my patients, who are able, send a horse for me; but sometimes I have those who are no better off than myself.” Once more the smile flitted across his worn face.
“Steve sent me his horse when he gave himself up, but Leech has taken him. He has a brand on him, and Leech claims, I believe, that he belongs to the Government, and Leech now is the Government.”
“I will see if he is,” said Middleton, with a sudden flush of anger. “I’ll put a brand on him.”
Middleton asked to be allowed to take the Doctor to his destination. The old fellow at first demurred; but on Middleton’s insisting, yielded. It was a little warm walking, he admitted.
“Why don’t you borrow the money to buy a horse?” asked Middleton, presently. “I wish you would let——” He was going to ask the Doctor to let him lend him the money; but the Doctor interrupted him.
“Ah! sir, I have borrowed too much money already. I thought then I could pay, I know now I could never pay.”
When they reached the place to which the Doctor was going, it was a negro cabin.
“I have to look after them, sir,” explained the old fellow. “I don’t know what they will do when I am gone.”