Quicksilver Passion (67 page)

The prospector rubbed his hands together.
They said they was about give out when they found the horse in a windbreak and struggled through the drifts all night long. They did tell me Miss Silver’s at their cabin. Something about needing a doctor.”

Al wiped his forehead on his sleeve. In spite of the cold, the pain in his gut made perspiration run down his face.
For who? Who needs the doctor?”

Tom shook his head.
I told you all I know.”

Al couldn’t decide whether to be elated or freshly fearful. But at least he knew Silver had found shelter where there was food and fuel. All he had to do was go out and bring her in. He said as much.

Doc looked askance.
Are you loco, man? If she’s all right, there’s no use risking men’s lives. She can stay in their cabin and do just fine until this storm lets up!”

There was a murmur of agreement and Doc motioned again for some help in placing Bill and Willie on boards and carrying them to the saloon.

Nellie and the girls volunteered beds and Al offered drinks on the house to every man who had gone along. While he would still feel better when Silver was back at the Nugget, at least she wasn’t in any danger of freezing to death. When the old men came to, Doc would get some details from them.

It was late afternoon before Doc finally came downstairs again.

Al stepped from behind the bar and went to the foot of the stairs to meet him.
Well?”

They’re both still half-froze and dazed, but they’ll be all right. Wonder they made it all that way without freezing to death.”

Get to the point, Doc,” Al said.

Can’t a man get a drink first?” Doc elbowed everyone out of the way and headed for the ornate bar.

Al went behind it and poured for him.
Well?”

She’s all right, near’s I can make out.” Doc sipped his whiskey with a tired sigh.
She was lucky enough to find their claim just after the storm moved in. It seems Willie and Bill actually came in to get me.”

Al’s heart almost seemed to stop.
Why? She hurt?”

I don’t know.” Doc looked out the window at the swirling snow.
That’s a moot question right now, I reckon. We’ll have to wait ’til the weather lets up before we can get out there.”