"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."
"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?"
"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?"
"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. You mustn't hope--remember, you _mustn't_ hope, Mary, whatever you do."
"No, I mustn't hope. I told him I wouldn't go."
"Some folks is grand little jokers. Women can't help stringing a man along, can they? Of course you'll go."
She cast her arms about Mary Gage, and held her tight. "You poor kid!" said she. "You get your eyes first, and let's figure out the rest after that. You make me tired. Cut out all that duty and sacrifice stuff. Live and get yours. That's the idea!"