e put his hand on
Dick's brow, and when he felt the temperature his own eyes were
lighted up by a fine smile. That forehead, hot so long, was cool
now, and it would be only a matter of a few days until Dick was
his old, strong and buoyant self again. Albert never told his
brother how he had gone two days and nights without sleep,
watching every moment by the delirious bedside, how, taking the
chances, he had dosed him with quinine from their medical stores,
and how, later, he had cooked for him the tenderest and most
delicate food. Nor did he speak of those awful hours--so many
of them--when Dick's life might go at any time.

Albert knew now that the great crisis was over, and rejoicing, he
went forth from Castle Howard. It was his intention to kill
another prairie chicken and make more of the soup that Dick liked
so much. As he walked, his manner was expansive, indicating a
deep satisfaction. Dick had saved his life and he had saved
Dick's. But Dick was still an invalid and it was his duty,
meanwhile to carry on the business of the valley. He was sole
workman, watchman, and defender, and his spirit rose to meet the
responsibility. He would certainly look after his brother as
well as anyone could do it.

Albert whistled as he went along, and swung his gun in debonair
fashion. It would not take him, an expert borderer and woodsman,
long to get that prairie chicken, and after that, as he had said
before, it was only a step from grass to pot.

It was perhaps the greatest hour of Albert Howard's life. He,
the helped, was now the helper; he, the defended, was now the
defender. His chest could scarcely contain the mighty surge of
exultation that heart and lungs together accomplished. He was
far from having any rejoicings over Dick's prostration; he
rejoiced instead that he was able, since the prostration had
come, to care for both. He had had the forethought and courage
to go forth and seek for Dick, and the strength to save him when
found.

Albert broke into a rollicking whistle and he still swung his
shotgun somewhat carelessly for a hunter and marksman. He
passed by one of the geysers just as it was sending up its
high column of hot water and its high column of steam. "That's
the way I feel, old fellow," he said. "I could erupt with just
as much force."

He resumed his caution farther on and shot two fine, fat prairie
hens, returning with them to Castle Howard before Dick awoke.
When Dick did awa