fellow creature
to die of helplessness when a little care and nursing ought to
put that man on his feet again. But I won't argue with you, for
I see the excitement is bringing a deeper flush into your face.
Senor, as you are a gentleman trust another gentleman to serve
you loyally and not betray you. I am going to leave you for a
little while. Will you give me your word to remain here until
I return?"

"Yes," nodded the other, weakly.

"I'll wrap this around you," Reade continued, taking off his own
blouse and wrapping it around the thin body of the older man.
"This will help you a little if you are taken with chills. I
shall be back as soon as I can possibly come without attracting
attention. Do not be startled if you hear other footsteps than
my own. I shall bring with me a friend. I would trust in his
hands anything or all that I have in the world. Will you trust
me to serve you, senor?"

"I shall trust you," promised the other, simply. "In truth, my
young friend, I have many reasons why I could wish to recover of
this illness and be well again."

Tom slipped away, then rose to his full height, and resumed his
late appearance of lounging along without an object. As he neared
the camp he espied Nicolas, whom he had forgotten.

"Our little fellow came back, you see," called Harry, as Tom neared
the tents. "What have you been doing?"

"Loafing," yawned Reade, as he strolled up. When he reached the
cook tent, however, he stepped inside and the Mexican servant
followed him.

"Senor," Nicolas reported, in a whisper, "I think I succeeded in
my errand."

"But you do not yet know?" queried Tom.

"How can I know so soon, senor?" questioned Nicolas.

"True," nodded Tom.

Then he stepped outside the tent, remarking: "Our food supply is so
low, Nicolas, that I fear you will have to take the basket and go
after more."

"It shall be done, senor," promised the servant, and going into
the tent appeared a moment later with a basket.

Tom handed him some money.

"I am listening to your orders, senor."

"Oh, you know as well what food to get as I do," Tom rejoined.
"But," he added, under his voice, "you _must_ get me some--"

Here Tom added the Spanish names of three or four drugs that he
wanted.

"I think I shall be able to get the drugs, senor. Some of the
_peons_ must keep them in their houses."

"You must get them, as I said. Now, make good time. I will await
your return."

Then Tom drew H