ether in
carrying out the plan of isolation.

"If he gives any of us time," said Tommy, "we'll all take it, begob."

"No, men," said the doctor, "let's not make trouble. I know Mr.
Maclennan slightly, and he's a just man, and he'll do what's fair.
Besides, we don't want to interfere with the job. Give me a dozen
men--one must be able to cook--and in half a day the work will be
finished. I will be personally responsible for everything."

At this point Craigin came out. "Here's your time, McLean," he said,
thrusting a time check at him.

McLean took it without a word and went over and stood by Dr. Bailey's
side.

"Who are coming?" called out McLean.

"All of us," cried a voice. "Pick out your men, McLean."

"All right," said McLean, looking over the crowd.

"I'm wan," said Tommy, running over to the doctor's side. "I seen him
shtand by Scotty whin the lad wus fightin' fer his life, an' if I'm tuk
it's him I want beside me."

One by one McLean called his men, each taking his place beside the
doctor, while the rest of the men moved off to work.

"Mr. Craigin, I am going to use these men for half a day." said Dr.
Bailey.

For answer Craigin, in mad rage, throwing aside all regard for
consequences, rushed at him, but half a dozen men were in his path
before he had taken the second step.

"Hold on, Mr. Craigin," said McLean, "we want no violence. We're going
to do what we think right in this matter, so you may as well make up
your mind to it."

"And Mr. Craigin," continued the doctor, "we shall need some things out
of your stores."

Craigin stepped back from the crowd and on to the office steps. "Your
time is waiting you, men. And listen to me. If any man goes near that
there storehouse door, I'll drop him in his tracks. I've got the law and
I'll do it, so help me God." He went into the office and returned in a
moment with a Winchester, which he loaded in full view of the men.

"Never mind him, boys," said the doctor cheerily, "I'm going to have
breakfast. Come, Tommy, I want you."

In fifteen minutes he came out, with the key of the storehouse in his
hand, to find the men still waiting his orders and Craigin on guard with
his Winchester.

"Don't go just yet," said McLean to the doctor in a low voice, "we'll
get round him."

"Oh, he'll not shoot," said Dr. Bailey.

"He will. He will. I knew him in Michigan. He'll shoot and he'll kill,
too."

For a single instant the doctor hesitated. His men were ab