travel at a jog all the way to the office building. Harry, can you sit
on your horse?"

"Surely," said the young assistant.

"Lucky boy, then," smiled Reade. "I won't be able to sit in saddle for
some minutes. Ride into camp and tell the operator to wire swiftly for
a physician to come out and attend to that man."

"But you--"

"I'm here, am I not!" smiled Reade.

"I should say you are, Mr. Reade!" came a hoarse, friendly roar from one
of the laborers.

Hazelton did not delay. He was soon speeding back over the desert.

As for Tom, there were many offers of assistance, but he explained that
all he needed was to keep quiet and have a chance to get his breath
back.

Payson, in the meantime, had started the work going again, though most
of his men toiled with far less spirit than before the accident.

Ten minutes later Tom mounted his horse and rode slowly back toward
camp. By the time he reached there he made out the automobile of a
Paloma physician coming in haste.

Tom was still weak enough to tremble as Harry stepped outside and helped