Dick felt better; but he had no particular desire to move or talk
or eat. He had, however, a burning thirst. Mrs. Belding visited
him often; her husband came in several times, and once Nell slipped
in noiselessly. Even this last event aroused no interest in Dick.
On the next day he was very much improved.
"We've been afraid of blood poisoning," said Belding. "But my
wife thinks the danger's past. You'll have to rest that arm for
a while."
Ladd and Jim came peeping in at the door.
"Come in, boys. He can have company--the more the better--if it'll
keep him content. He mustn't move, that's all."
The cowboys entered, slow, easy, cool, kind-voiced.
"Shore it's tough," said Ladd, after he had greeted Dick. "You
look used up."
Jim Lash wagged his half-bald, sunburned head, "Musta been more'n
tough for Rojas."
"Gale, Laddy tells me one of our neighbors, fellow named Carter, is
going to Casita," put in Belding. "Here's a chance to get word to
your friend the soldier."
"Oh, that will be fine!" exclaimed Dick. "I declare I'd forgotten
Thorne....How is Miss Castaneda? I hope--"
"She's all right, Gale. Been up and around the patio for two days.
Like all the Spanish--the real thing--she's made of Damascus
steel. We've been getting acquainted. She and Nell made friends
at once. I'll call them in."
He closed the door leading out into the yard, explaining that he
did not want to take chances of Mercedes's presence becoming
known to neighbors.
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