That evening hastily made photographs of the sick man were shown upon the streets.  Nor could the most skeptical deny that he presented a revolting sight and one warranting Dr. Gray’s precautions.  In spite of this evidence, however, threats against the physician continued to be made freely; but when Eliza expressed fears for his safety he only smiled grimly, and he stalked through the streets with such defiance written on his heavy features that no man dared raise a hand against him.

Day after day the quarantine continued, and at length some of the men went back to work.  As others exhausted their wages they followed.  In a fortnight Omar was once more free of its floating population and work at the front was going forward as usual.  Meanwhile the patient recovered in marvelous fashion and was loud in his thanks to the physician who had brought him through so speedily.  Yet Gray stubbornly refused to raise the embargo.

Finally the cause of the whole trouble appeared at the hospital and begged to be released.

“You put it over me,” said Mr. Linn.  “I’ve had enough and I want to get out.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” answered the doctor.  “No one can leave here now.”

“I know it wasn’t smallpox at all, but it worked just the same, I’ll leave your men alone if you’ll let me go out on the next Seattle steamer.”

“But—­I thought you came from Hope?” Gray said, blandly.

Mr. Linn shifted his eyes and laughed uneasily.  “I did, and I’m going to keep coming from Hope.  You don’t think I’d dare to go back after this, do you?”

“Why not?”

“Gordon would kill me.”

“So!  Mr. Gordon sent you?”

“You know he did.  But—­I’ve got to get out now.  I’m broke.”

“I didn’t think it of Gordon!” The doctor shook his head sadly.  “How underhanded of him!”

Linn exploded desperately:  “Don’t let’s four-flush.  You were too slick for him, and you sewed me up.  I’ve spent the money he gave me and now I’m flat.”

“You look strong.  We need men.”

Gordon’s emissary turned pale.  “Say!  You wouldn’t set me to work?  Why, those men would string me up.”

“I think not.  I’ve spoken to the shift boss at mile 30, and he’ll take care you’re not hurt so long as you work hard and keep your mouth shut.”

An hour later Mr. Linn, cursing deeply, shouldered his pack and tramped out the grade, nor could he obtain food or shelter until he had covered those thirty weary miles.  Once at his destination, he was only too glad to draw a numbered tag and fall to work with pick and shovel, but at his leisure he estimated that it would take him until late the following month to earn his fare to the States.

XI

THE TWO SIDES OF ELIZA VIOLET APPLETON

Dan Appleton entered the bungalow one evening, wet and tired from his work, to find Eliza pacing the floor in agitation.