"No. We'll have to work in the dark. A light might bring them down on
us." She had been cutting the band of the shirt, and now ripped it so
as to expose the wounded shoulder.

Dick took a bucket to the creek, and presently returned with it. In
his right hand he carried his revolver. When he reached the cabin he
gave an audible sigh of relief and quickly locked the door.

"Of course you'll have to go for help, Dick. Bring old Doc Lee."

"Why, Arlie, I can't leave you here alone. What are you talking
about?"

"You'll have to. It's the only thing to do. You'll have to give me
your revolver. And, oh, Dick, don't lose a moment on the way."

He was plainly troubled. "I just can't leave you here alone, girl.
What would your father say if anything happened? I don't reckon
anything will, but we can't tell. No, I'll stay here, too. Steve must
take his chance."

"You'll not stay." She flamed round upon him, with the fierce passion
of a tigress fighting for her young. "You'll go this minute-- this
very minute!"

"But don't you see I oughtn't to leave you? Anybody would tell you
that," he pleaded.

"And you call yourself his friend," she cried, in a low, bitter voice.