Back to scene.

Freeman realizes the importance of being able to procure ice as soon as possible.  Starts to get ready, presently hurrying out of room.  Doctor turns to Jess and gives her instructions as to administering the medicine, pointing to watch.  She nods.  Doctor takes last look at child, then walks out of room, Jess following.

5—­Corner of ranch house, looking toward stables—­

Doctor comes out, followed by Jess.  With a parting word, he rides away.  A moment later Freeman comes from direction of stables driving buckboard.  He says a few words to Jess, who assures him that she will be all right, and then he drives off rapidly.  Jess re-enters house.

6—­Exterior, supposedly at distance from but within sight of ranch—­

Steve Hammond rides slowly into picture, dismounts wearily, leans against horse as if much fatigued, looks about in all directions.  Sees ranch house short distance away.  Shows hesitation, then sudden resolution.  Swings into saddle and rides out of picture.

7—­Corner of ranch house, same as 5—­

Steve rides into picture in background, approaching cautiously.  Leaves horse standing at short distance from house, ready for quick get-away.  Creeps forward stealthily, gun in hand, ready. (If window between corner of house and door, passes beneath it stooping.) Reaches door and knocks.  Hearing someone approaching, he holds gun out of sight behind back.  Jess appears in doorway.  Steve registers that he is impressed by girl’s appearance.  She, that he is a stranger.  He asks for a drink of water.  She goes in to get it.  He quickly replaces gun in holster.  Jess comes out with dipper of water; he drinks greedily, then sways weakly and drops to steps.  Jess, seeing his exhaustion, shows sympathy.  Asks if he is hungry.  He looks up and nods.  She looks at him a moment as if estimating his character and then asks him into the house.  He holds back, hesitating a moment, then weakly follows her in.

8—­Kitchen of ranch house—­

Jess places chair beside table and asks Steve to sit down.  He watches her with evident but respectful admiration as she brings food and pours cup of coffee.  She watches him sympathetically as he eats.  Presently he looks up at her, then around, and points toward door.  He questions her.  She shakes head negatively, looking at him steadily.

Leader—­

     “THE MEN ARE ALL AWAY.  FATHER’S GONE TO GET ICE FOR MY SICK
     SISTER”

Back to scene.

Jess watches him closely as she speaks.  He shows only look of relief.  He questions her again.  She points to door leading to bedroom.  He looks toward door and she crosses to it, pushing it softly open.  She turns and signs for him to look inside.  She herself stands in doorway as he passes her and goes into room.

9—­Bedroom, same as 4—­