Jean looked back to see Blue dragging himself along in the rear.

It was too dark to see distinctly; nevertheless, Jean got the impression that Blue was more severely wounded than he had claimed to be.

The distance to Meeker's cabin was not far, but it took what Jean felt to be a long and anxious time to get there.

Colmor apparently rallied somewhat.

When this procession entered Meeker's yard, Blue was lagging behind.
"Blue, how air y'u ?" called Blaisdell, with concern.
"Wal, I got--my boots--on--anyhow," replied Blue, huskily.
He lurched into the yard and slid down on the grass and stretched out.
"Man! Y'u're hurt bad!" exclaimed Blaisdell.