. "It's all right!"

"Did you find your father?"

"Yes; an' I've come back for one of the horses. He's been hurt, an'
can't walk."

"Thank God he is alive!" she cried, and then for the first time since
the previous evening she gave way to tears.

Dick did all he could toward comforting her without making any delay
in setting out on the return journey.

While he filled the canteen with fresh water he repeated what his
father had bidden him to say; and when his mother asked concerning the
wound, he spoke as if he did not consider it serious.

"Of course it's bad, for he thinks one of the bones has been splintered;
but I don't see why he shouldn't come 'round all right after a spell.
We've known of people who had worse hurts and yet got well."

"But they were where at least something of what might be needed could
be procured, while we are here in the desert."

"Not quite so bad as that, mother dear. We have water, and I should be
able to get food in plenty. After I've supplied the camp, I'm goin' on
foot to Antelope Spring, where we can buy whatever daddy may need."

"Across the desert alone!"

"A boy like me ought to be able to do it, and"--

"Your father hasn't a penny, Dick dear."

"I know that, mother; but I'll sell my rifle before he shall suffer for
anything. Now don't worry, and keep up a good heart till I come back."

"Can't I be of some assistance if I go too?"

"You'd better stay here with Margie. Father and I can manage it alone,
I reckon."

Then Dick set about catching one of the horses; and as he rode the
sorry-looking steed up to the wagon, his mother gave him such articles
from her scanty store as the wounded man might need.

"You're a good boy, Dick," she said, as he stooped over to kiss her;
"and some day you shall have your reward."

"I'll get it now, mother, if I see you looking a little more jolly;
and indeed things ain't quite so bad as they seem, for I can pull our
little gang through in great shape, though I'm afraid after it's been
done I sha'n't be able to get you and Margie the new outfit I promised."

"We should be so thankful your father is alive as not to realize that
we need anything else."

"But you do, just the same, whether you realize it or not; an' I'll
attend to everything if I have time enough. Don't trouble yourself if
we're not back much before morning, for I reckon daddy can't stand it
to ride faster than a walk."

Then, without daring to stop longer, lest he