That will make Collie happy." The cowboy had a better appetite that morning, which fact mitigated somewhat the burden of Wade's worry.

There was burden enough, however, and Wade had set this day to make important decisions about Moore's injured foot.

He had dreaded to remove the last dressing because conditions at that time had been unimproved.

He had done all he could to ward off the threatened gangrene.
"Wils, I'm goin' to look at your foot an' tell you things," declared Wade, when the dreaded time could be put off no longer.
"Go ahead....

And, pard, if you say my leg has to be cut off--why just pass me my gun!" The cowboy's voice was gay and bantering, but his eyes were alight with a spirit that frightened the hunter.
"Ahuh!...