s before his readers, he began to devote some attention to the
problem of arranging for Ed Hazelton's visit to the great Chicago
surgeon. Both Nellie and Ed had been disappointed because of his
continued absence, and when, on an afternoon a few days after his
activity in Dry Bottom, he rode up to the Hazelton cabin his welcome was
a cordial one.

"It seems like a year since I've seen you!" declared Hazelton as he came
down from the porch to lead Hollis's pony into the shade at the rear of
the cabin.

While he was gone with the pony Hollis stood looking up at Nellie, who
had remained seated in her chair on the porch and who was now regarding
him with eyes in which shone unconcealed pleasure.

"It hasn't really been so long, you know," said Hollis, smiling at her.
"But then, I have been so busy that I may not have noticed it."

Of course she could not tell him how many times she had sat on the porch
during Ed's absences watching the Coyote trail. But she blushed and made
room for him on the porch. Ed appeared presently and joined them there.
The young man was not able to conceal his joy over the prospect of his
ultimate recovery from the peculiar malady that afflicted him, and
gratitude mingled with it as he looked at his benefactor. He had not
recovered from an attack the day before.

"We've got it all arranged," he told Hollis with a wan smile. "I'm going
to Chicago just as soon as I can get things fixed." He reddened with
embarrassment as he continued: "There's some things that I'd like to
talk to you about before I make up my mind when to start," he said;
"I've been worrying about what to do with my stock while I'm gone. I
wouldn't want it to stray or be run off by Dunlavey's gang." The appeal
in his eyes did not escape Hollis's keen observation.

"I have thought of that too," smiled the latter. "In fact, I have talked
it over with Norton. He tells me that he won't have any trouble in
caring for your stock while you are away."

"Thanks." Hazelton did not trust himself to say more at that moment. He
knew how great would be the task of caring for his stock during his
absence, and had not Hollis come to his aid with this offer he would
have had to give up the proposed trip. He sat silent until his composure
returned, and then he looked up at Hollis gratefully.

"That will make things much easier for Nellie," he said. And then,
remembering that Hollis knew nothing of his intention to ask him for
permission to all