I knew only
I must cut deep enough to reach the pus, not so deep as to touch
the artery, and not across the tendons, and must do it firmly, at
one clean stroke. I did.
It was a horrid success. He never quivered, but said: "Is that all?
That's a pin-prick to what I've been through every minute for the
last week."
I felt faint, went out behind the cabin, and - shall I confess
it? - took a long swig of brandy. But I was as good as my promise:
in three days he was well enough to travel, and soon as strong as
ever.
I wonder if real doctors ever conceal, under an air of professional
calm, just such doubts and fears as worried me.
CHAPTER XI
THE SECOND BUFFALO HUNT
Though so trifling, the success of our first Buffalo hunt gave us
quite a social lift. The chiefs were equally surprised with the
whites, and when we prepared for a second expedition, Kiya sent
word that though he could not act as guide, I should ride his own
trained hunter, a horse that could run a trail like a hound, and
was without guile.
I am, always suspicious of a horse (or man) without guile.
I wondered what was the particular weakness of this exceptionally
trained, noble, and guileless creature. I have only one prejudice
in horseflesh - I do not like a white one.
