around to the door,
pausing no more than to throw down his horse's bridle over its head.

Sim Gage was excited. "Where's the Doc?--he been here this morning?"

"He went away less than an hour ago," replied Mary Gage. "How long was
it, Annie? Why?"

"Well, I got to go down to the dam. Something up in the hills I don't
like."

"Not those same men?" Mary Gage's face showed terror.

"I don't know yet. Two cars was in camp on the creek, half way up
towards the Reserve. I seen 'em and sneaked back."

"Telephone down, why don't you?"

"I hadn't thought of that," said Sim. "I ain't used to them things.
Say, Miss Squires, supposin' you see if you can get the doctor down at
the dam?"

But when Annie tried to use the telephone her ring sounded idle and
vacant in the box. The instrument was dead.

"Out of order!" said Annie, "right when you want it. When you want to
make a date the girls says, 'Party's line's out of order.' Of course
it is!"

"Well, then I'll have to start down right away. I got to see the Doc
about this. I hate to leave you alone."

"Let him go," said Annie to Mary Gage. "The soldiers 'll be back for
supper pretty soon."

"I've got to go over to Wid's," said Sim; "got to get another horse."

He turned and left the room without more word of parting than he had
shown of greeting. He walked more alertly than ever he had in his life.

He found Wid Gardner and told his news. His neighbor listened to him
gravely.

"It may be only some people in there fishing," said Wid, "but it's no
time to take chances. You say the wire's down? That looks so bad, I
reckon you'd better ride on down. How far have you rode today?"

"Round thirty, forty miles."

"Forty more won't hurt you none," said Wid. "The roan bronc can stand
it. I'll go on over and tell the women folks not to be afraid."

"Gee, but this is some quiet place!" said Annie Squires, as the two
women sat alone in nervous silence. "You can cut it with a knife,
can't you?"

"Did you say Mr. Gardner was coming over here before long?" asked Mary.
"Annie, I'm so afraid!"

"Hush, Sis! It's like enough only a scare. I wish't that doctor man
had stayed. But tell me, was he saying anything to you about your
eyes?"

"Yes."

"What?"

"He said he was coming up here in a week or two to take me down to the
hospital. He said he thought perhaps he could save my eyes! Oh,
Annie, Annie!"

"Hush, Sis! I told you to forget it. Yo