thing to do, and Chip did
it. He broke camp, loaded Jakie into the bed-wagon, and headed at a
gallop for Dry Lake in an effort to catch the next train for Great
Falls. Whether he sent Jakie to the hospital or to the undertaker was
a question he did not attempt to answer; one thing was certain,
however, that he must send him to one of those places as soon as might
be.

That night, just before the train arrived, he sent another telegram to
Johnny Scott at rush rates. He said simply:

"Send another cook immediately this one all in am returning him in
baggage coach this train.

"C. BENNETT."

Just after midnight he went to the station and received an answer,
which is worth repeating:

"C. BENNETT, Dry Lake: Supply cooks running low am sending only
available don't kill this one or may have to go without season on
cooks closed fine attached to killing, running with dogs or
keeping in captivity this one drunk look for him in Pullman have
bribed porter. J.G. SCOTT."

It was sent collect, which accounts perhaps for the facetious remarks
which it contained.

It was morning when that train arrived, because it was behind time for
some reason, but Chip, Weary, Pink and Big Medicine were at the depot
to meet it. The new cook having been reported drunk, they wanted to
make sure of getting him off the train in case he proved unruly. They
were wise in the ways of intoxicated cooks. They ran to the steps of
the only Pullman on the train and were met by the grinning porter.

"Yas sah, he's in dah--but Ah cyan't git 'im off, sah, to save mah
soul," he explained toothily. "Ah put 'im next de front end, sah, but
he's went to sleep and Ah cyan't wake 'em up, an' Ah cyan't tote 'em
out nohow. Seems lak he weighs a ton!"

"By cripes, _we'll_ tote him out," declared Big Medicine, pushing
ahead of Chip in his enthusiasm. "You hold the train, and we'll git
'im. Show us the bunk."

The porter pointed out the number and retreated to the steps that he
might signal the conductor. The four pushed up through the vestibule
and laid hold upon the berth curtains.

"Mamma!" ejaculated Weary in a stunned tone. "Look what's in here,
boys!"

They thrust forward their heads and peered in at the recumbent form.

"Honest to grandma--it's old Patsy!" The voice of Big Medicine brought
heads out all along down the car.

"Come out uh that!" Four voices made up the chorus, and Patsy opened
his eyes reluctantly.

"Py cosh, I not co