Curly turned to his former cook with a grin.  “Well, Judge, is your little vacation giving you the rest you wanted?”

Enoch, gaunt, unshaven, exhausted, his blue eyes blood-shot, nodded contentedly.  “I’m having the time of my life, Curly.”

“I had a bull dog once,” said Curly.  “If I’d take a barrel stave and pound him with it, saying all the time, ’Nice doggie, isn’t this fun!  Isn’t this a nice little stick!  Don’t you like these little love pats?’ he’d wag his tail and slobber and tell me how much he enjoyed it and beg for more.  But, if I took a straw and tapped him with it, telling him he was a poor dog, that nobody loved him, that I was breaking his ribs which he richly deserved, why that bull pup nearly died of suffering of body and anguish of mind.”

Enoch shook his head sadly.  “A great evangelist was lost when you took to placer mining, Curly.”

Mack had been talking quietly to Milton.  “I don’t believe it was the river water, that upset you.  I think you have drunk from some poison spring.  I did that once, up in this country, and it took me six months to get over it, because I couldn’t get to a doctor.  But I believe a doctor could fix you right up.  Do you recall drinking water the other men didn’t?”

“Any number of times, on exploring trips to the river!” Milton looked immensely cheered.  “I think you may be right, Mack.”

“I’ll bet you two bits that’s all that ails you, son!” Mack rose from the edge of the bunk.  “Well, folks, I’m off!  Look for me when you see me!”

“I’ll mooch along too,” Curly rose and stretched himself.

“I’m not going to try to thank all you folks!” Milton’s weak voice was husky.

“That’s what us Arizonians always wait for before we do the decent thing,” said Mack, with a smile.  “Come along, Curly, you lazy chuckawalla you!” And the door slammed behind them.

“They’re stem winders, both of them!” exclaimed Agnew.

“Diana,” said Enoch, “I wish you’d sit down.  You’ve done enough for us.”

Diana smiled and shook her head.  “I struck the camp first, so I’m boss.  Na-che and I are going out to see that everything’s all right for the night and that Mack and Curly get a good start.  While we’re out, you’re all going to bed.  Then Na-che is coming in to make Mr. Milton as comfortable as she can.  Our tent is under the cottonwoods and if you want anything during the night, Mr. Milton, all you have to do is to call through the window.  Neither of us will undress so we can be on duty, instantly.  There is plenty of stew still simmering in the pot, and cold biscuit on the table.  Good night, all of you.”

“Na-che, she don’t need to bother.  I’ll look out for Mr. Milton,” said Jonas, suddenly rousing from his chair where he had been dozing.

“You go to bed and to sleep, Jonas,” ordered Diana.  “Good night, Judge.”

“Good night, Diana!”