"I've had some wounds, and I've seen many.
I know a little about them.

The hole in your back has closed.

If you lie still three days the one in your breast will close and you'll be safe.
The danger from hemorrhage will be over." He had spoken with earnest sincerity, almost eagerness.
"Why--do you--want me--to get well ?" she asked, wonderingly.
The simple question seemed unanswerable except on grounds of humanity.
But the circumstances under which he had shot this strange girl, the shock and realization, the waiting for death, the hope, had resulted in a condition of mind wherein Venters wanted her to live more than he had ever wanted anything.

Yet he could not tell why.

He believed the killing of the rustler and the subsequent excitement had disturbed him.