Read Hummingbird for Free Online Page B

leave.
    "How can I forget it when Miss Abigail has to be down there too… and caring for him!"
    Ah, so that's the way the wind blows, thought Doc. "Sounds like Miss Abigail has made quite an impression on you."
    "I dare say she has," admitted Melcher.
    Doc laughed shortly, then said, "Don't worry about Miss Abigail. She can take care of herself. I'll be around again soon. Meanwhile, move that foot and use it as much as you want, as long as you feel comfortable doing it. It's doing well." But Doc was smiling at this unexpected turn of events as he headed downstairs.
    The coffee had revived Miss Abigail somewhat.
    "Got a cup for me?" Doc asked, returning to the kitchen. "Naw, don't get up. Cups in here? I'll pour my own." As he did, he continued visiting. "Miss Abigail, I'm sorry I doubted you yesterday, I can see what kind of fool I was to do so. You've not only done a proper job of nursing those two… it seems you've made a devotee of Mr. Melcher."
    "A devotee?" She looked up, startled, over her cup.
    Doc Dougherty leaned back against the edge of her sideboard as he sipped, his eyes alight.
    Flustered, she looked into her cup. "Nonsense, Doctor, he's simply grateful for a clean bed and hot food."
    "As you say, Miss Abigail… as you say." But still Doc's eyes were mischievous. Then abruptly he changed the subject. "Word came in by telegraph that the railroad wants us to keep that stranger here till they can send someone up here to question him."
    "Ah, if he lives to talk." Once again he could see the weariness in her, could hear the dread in her voice.
    "He'll live. I examined the wounds and they look real good, Miss Abigail, real good. What in blazes have you got on those poultices?"
    "Powdered ergot. It healed the wounds from Indian arrows. I figured it might heal his."
    "Why didn't you call me when he got bad?"
    Her eyes looked incredulous. "I didn't think of it, I guess."
    He chuckled and shook his head. "You planning to run me a little competition in the healing business, are you?" he asked, eyes twinkling.
    "No, Doctor. It's far too hard on a maiden lady. When these men are fit, I shall give up my life in medicine, and gladly."

    "Well, don't give it up yet, Miss Abigail, please. You're doing one damn fine job for me."
    Too tired to even object to his language, she only answered, "Why, thank you, Doctor." And he could have sworn she beamed, there in her evening kitchen amidst the mess and the smell that was so unlike her usual tidiness. He knew she'd be okay then; she had qualities in her that most women didn't. Also, she was experiencing the first fledgling joy afforded to those who beat the odds against death.
    On his way to the door, Doc turned. "Oh, I forgot to mention, the railroad said they'll foot the bill for as long as it takes to get these two healthy. I think they mean to pacify Melcher and keep him from kicking up a fuss about getting shot while on board one of the R.M.R. trains. As for the other one… he must be wanted for more than just one holdup for them to be that interested. I don't mean to scare you, just wanted you to rest easy about the money. Are you afraid, being here alone with him?"
    She almost laughed. "No, I'm not afraid. I've never been afraid of anything in my life. Not even when I thought I was running out of money. Things have a way of working out. Yesterday I was facing penury and tonight here I am with a railroad supporting me. Isn't that handy?"
    He patted her arm and chuckled. "That's more like it, Miss Abigail. Now see that you get some sleep so you can stay this way."
    As he opened the screen door, she stopped him momentarily, asking, "Doctor, did the telegram say what that man's name is? It seems strange always referring to him as 'that man' or 'that… robber.'"
    "No, it didn't. Just said they want him kept here and no question about it. They want to get their hands on him pretty bad."
    "How can they possibly know if he's wanted for other charges when they haven't seen him?"
    "We