, daddy?" the boy cried piteously. "I can't leave
you here alone, and I don't believe there's a drop nearer than where
we are camped."

"You _must_ leave me, Dick; for you can do no good while staying here,
and the thought that help is coming, even though there may be many
hours to wait, will give me strength. Can you find your way to the
camp and back after nightfall?"

"I'll do it somehow, daddy! I'll do it!"

"Then set out at once, and bring one of the horses back with you. I
should be able to ride four miles, or even twice that distance, since
it is to save my life."

"But you'll keep up a brave heart, daddy dear, won't you? Don't think
you are going to die; but remember that mother and I, and even little
Margie, will do all we can to pull you through."

"I know it, Dick, I know it. You are a good lad--far better than I
have been father; and if it should chance that when you come back I've
gone from this world, remember that you are the only one to whom the
mother and baby can look for protection."

"You know I'd always take care of them; but I am going to save you,
daddy dear. People have gotten over worse wounds than this, and once
you are at the camp we will stay in Buffalo Meadows till it is
possible for you to ride. I'll look out for the whole outfit, and from
this on you sha'n't have a trouble, except because of the wound."

"Give me your hand, my boy, and now go; for strong as may be my will,
I can't stand the loss of much more blood. God bless you, Dick, and
remember that I always loved you, even though I never provided for you
as a father should have done."

Dick hastily cleared the mist from his eyes, and without speaking
darted forward in the direction where he believed the wagon would be
found, breaking the sage-brush as he ran in order that he might make
plain the trail over which he must return.

CHAPTER II.

A LONELY VIGIL.

It was not yet dark when Dick arrived within sight of the wagon, and
shouted cheerily that those who were so anxiously awaiting his coming
might know he had been fortunate in the search.

As soon as his voice rang out, startlingly loud because of the almost
oppressive stillness, Mrs. Stevens appeared from beneath the flap of
the canvas covering, and an expression of most intense disappointment
passed over her face as she saw that Dick was alone.

"It's all right, mother!" he cried, quickening his pace that she might
the sooner be relieved from her suspense