The men had Kells half turned over with the flesh of his back
exposed.
"Aw, Gul, it's whisky he needs," said one.
"If you let out any more blood he'll croak sure," protested another.
"Look how weak he is," said Red Pearce.
"It's a hell of a lot you know," roared Gulden. "I served my time--
but that's none of your business. ... Look here! See that blue
spot!" Gulden pressed a huge finger down upon the blue welt on
Kells's back. The bandit moaned. "That's lead--that's the bullet,"
declared Gulden.
"Wall, if you ain't correct!" exclaimed Pearce.
Kells turned his head. "When you punched that place--it made me numb
all over. Gul, if you've located the bullet, cut it out."
Joan did not watch the operation. As she went away to the seat under
the balsam she heard a sharp cry and then cheers. Evidently the grim
Gulden had been both swift and successful.
Presently the men came out of the cabin and began to attend to their
horses and the pack-train.
Pearce looked for Joan, and upon seeing her called out, "Kells wants
you."
Joan found the bandit half propped up against a saddle with a damp
and pallid face, but an altogether different look.
"Joan, that bullet was pressing on my spine," he said. "Now it's
out, all that deadness is gone. I feel alive. I'll get well, soon. ...
Gulden was curious over the bullet. It's a forty-four caliber,
and neither Bill Bailey nor Halloway used that caliber of gun.
Gulden remembered. He's cunning. Bill was as near being a friend to
this Gulden as any man I know of. I can't trust any of these men,
particularly Gulden. You stay pretty close by me."
"Kells, you'll let me go soon--help me to get home?" implored Joan
in a low voice.
"Girl, it'd never be safe now," he replied.
"Then later--soon--when it is safe?"
"We'll see. ... But you're my wife now!"
With the latter words the man subtly changed. Something of the power
she had felt in him before his illness began again to be manifested.
Joan divined that these comrades had caused the difference in him.
"You won't dare--!" Joan was unable to conclude her meaning. A tight
band compressed her breast and throat, and she trembled.
"Will you dare go out there and tell them you're NOT my wife?" he
queried. His voice had grown stronger and his eyes were blending
shadows of thought.