There was astonishing
vigor in the movement.
"Ther's things broke inside me, Nan," he said, in a voice that was
growing stronger. "A rib, I guess. Maybe it's my shoulder. The
others--guess they're just nothing. Now tell me--the things I asked.
How did you happen to git around? Start that way."
A sense of relief helped the girl. He had given her an opportunity
which she seized upon.
"Oh, Jeff, it was just thanks to Evie. I guess she saved your life."
"How?"
The girl's enthusiasm received a set-back in his tone.
"She came right along over to us, and told us--everything--the moment
you'd gone. We followed you just as hard as the horses could lay foot
to the ground. Dad an' me, and six of the boys."
"What did Evie do?"
"She came along--too."
"Wher' is she?"
Nan made no answer. The question was repeated more sharply.
"Wher' is she?"
"She's under that red willow--yonder."
The girl's voice was low. Her words were little more than a whisper.
"Is she--hurt?"
"She's--dead."
At that moment Bud reappeared bearing a hat full clear river water.
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