dy for the journey.

"Where is he?" said Ike, in a whisper.

"In there," replied The Kid, with a groan. "God help him!"

"I guess He will. He ought to," said Ike gravely, "Got grub, Ike, and
blankets?"

Ike nodded, pointing to the sack strapped to the saddle.

"He ought to start," said The Kid nervously, "That wire's two days old
now. It will take till to-morrow night to reach town even if everything
goes right, and every moment counts. Better go in," he continued, "and
tell him the horses are ready."

Ike nodded and went toward the closed door, opened it softly, and went
in. He found Shock sitting at the table gazing vacantly at the telegram
in his hand as if trying to take in its meaning. He looked up at Ike as
he entered and, handing him the telegram, said:

"It's my mother, Ike. Do you remember my mother?"

"Yes, I know," replied Ike, approaching him timidly and laying a hand
awkwardly on his shoulder. "I don't want to presume," he continued,
"but I was wonderin' if there was anyone who could help you to stand
it?"

"There is, there is One, there is."

"That's all right, then," said Ike, as if an important matter had been
settled. "The horses are ready."

"The horses?" said Shock, with a puzzled air.

"Yes; thought you'd want to ride to town to get to send a wire or
somethin'."

"Of course I do; thank you. I'll go to her at once. What a fool I am!"
He rose hastily as he spoke, changed his coat, and getting his hat and
riding gloves came out to where The Kid stood with the horses.

"Why, it's the Swallow, and Slipper!" he said, "Boys, this is good of
you."

The Kid stood without a word, looking at Shock's white, dazed face. He
could not trust his voice to speak.

"You'd best get onto Slipper," said Ike. "Rides easy and is mighty
sure. The Swallow's all right, of course," he continued apologetically
to The Kid, "but a leetle light."

"But I don't want both," said Shock.

"Oh! I guess I'll go along," declared Ike. "I know the trails and
short-cuts a little better. Can save time, perhaps. That is," he added,
"if you don't mind my goin' along."

"That's awfully good of you, Ike," said Shock. "I shall be glad to have
you."

"Good-bye, Kiddie," said Shock affectionately, holding out his hand to
The Kid. "I cannot say, much just now, but I appreciate this kindness,
my boy."

"Don't, don't!" said The Kid, in a husky whisper. "I wish to Heaven I
could help you. Good-bye."

"Good-bye," said Shock