outer clothing.

The water in the kettle on the stove was now warm enough for Doctor
Joe's purpose. He poured some of it into a dish, and after dissolving
in it some antiseptic tablets, cleansed and temporarily dressed the
wounds.

Restoratives were now applied. Lem responded promptly. His breathing
became perceptible, and at length he opened his eyes and stared at
Doctor Joe. There was no recognition in the stare and in a moment the
eyes closed. Presently they again opened, and this time Lem's lips
moved.

"Where's Jane?" he asked feebly.

"Your wife seems to be away and the boys, too," said Doctor Joe. "We
found you alone."

"Gone to Fort Pelican," Lem murmured after a moment's thought. He
stared at Doctor Joe for several minutes, now with the look of one
trying to recall something, and at length asked:

"What's--been--happenin' to me?"

"You've been shot," said Doctor Joe. "We found you on the floor. Some
one has shot you."

"The silver! The silver fox skin!" Lem displayed excitement. "Be it on
the table? I had un there!"