There is no other word that so
exactly defines their tender helpfulness to all weakness and
helplessness. Knowing how hard the fight is out-bush for even the strong
and enduring all their magnificent strength and courage stand ready for
those who would go to the wall without it. A lame dog, a man down in his
luck, an old soaker, little women any woman in need or sickness - each and
all call forth this protectiveness; but nothing calls it forth in all its
self-sacrificing tenderness like the helplessness of a strong man
stricken down in his strength.
Understanding this also, we stood aside, and rejoicing as the sick man,
benefiting by the comparative comfort and satisfied to have his own way,
seemed to improve. For three days he improved steadily, and then, after
standing still for another day slipped back inch by inch to weakness and
prostration, until the homestead, without coercion, was the only chance
for his life.
But there was a woman there; and as the mate went back to his pleading
the woman did what the world may consider a strange thing - but a man's
life depended on it - she sent a message out to the sick man, to say that
if he would come to the homestead she would not go to him until he asked
her.
He pondered over the message for a day, sceptical of a woman's word -
surely some woman had left that legacy in his heart - but eventually
decided he wouldn't risk it.
