THE QUIRT PARRIES THE FIRST BLOW A car with dimmed lights stood in front of the Quirt cabin when Swan drove around the last low ridge and down to the gate.

The rattle of the wagon must have been heard, for the door opened suddenly and Frank stood revealed in the yellow light of the kerosene lamp on the table within.
Behind Frank, Lorraine saw Jim and Sorry standing in their shirt sleeves looking out into the dark.

Another, shorter figure she glimpsed as Frank and the two men stepped out and came striding hastily toward them.
Lorraine jumped out and ran to meet them, hoping and fearing that her hope was foolish.

That car might easily be only Bob Warfield on some errand of no importance.

Still, she hoped.
"That you, Raine?
Where's Brit?
What's all this about Brit being hurt?
A doctor from Shoshone----" "A _doctor_?
Oh, did a doctor come, then?
Oh, help Swan carry dad in! I'm--oh, I'm afraid he's awfully injured!" "Yes-s--but how'n hell did a doctor know about it ?" Sorry, the silent, blurted unexpectedly.
"Oh,--never mind--but get dad in.