on his back, with Dad Carter and Dr. McCracken squatting beside him. Art
went up and made his report.
Morgan nodded, his face gray with pain. His shirt had been cut away;
bandaging was wrapped around his ribs, covering a thick pad. “You did well,
Art. Too bad about Cleve. Ted, we’re getting out of here and you’re going
first, because you’re taking the kid.”
“The baby? How — ”
“Doc’ll dope it so that it won’t let out a peep. Then you strap it to your
back, papoose fashion.”
Ted thought about it. “No, to my front. There’s some knee-and-shoulder work
on the best way out.”
“Okay. It’s your job.”
“How do you get out, boss?”
“Don’t be silly.”
“Look here, boss, if you think we’re going to walk off and leave you,
you’ve got another — ”
“Shut up and scram!” The exertion hurt Morgan; he coughed and wiped his
mouth.
“Yes, sir.” Ted and Art backed away.
“Now, Ed — ” said Carter.
“You shut up, too. You still sure you don’t want to be Captain?”
“You know better than that, Ed. They took things from me while I was your
deppity, but they wouldn’t have me for Captain.”
“That puts it up to you, Doc.”
McCracken looked troubled. “They don’t know me that well, Captain.”
“They’ll take you. People have an instinct for such things.”
“Anyhow, if I am Captain, I won’t agree to your plan of staying here by
yourself. We’ll stay till dark and carry you out.
“And get picked up by an infra-red spotter, like sitting ducks? That’s
supposing they let you alone until sundown — that other ‘copter will be
back with more troops before long.”
“I don’t think they’d let me walk off on you.”
“It’s up to you to make them. Oh, I appreciate your kindly thoughts, Doc,
but you’ll think differently as soon as you’re Captain. You’ll know you
have to cut your losses.”
McCracken did not answer. Morgan turned his head to Carter. “Gather them
around, Dad.”
They crowded in, shoulder to shoulder. Morgan looked from one troubled face
to another and smiled. “The Barclay Free Company, a provisional unit of the
United States of America, is now in session,” he announced, his voice
suddenly firm. “I’m resigning the captaincy for reasons of physical
disability. Any nominations?”
The silence was disturbed only by calls of birds, the sounds of insects.
Morgan caught Carter’s eyes. Dad cleared his throat. “I nominate Doc
McCracken.”
“Any other nominations?” He waited, then continued, “All right, all in
favor of Doc make it known by raising your right hand. Okay — opposed the
same sign. Dr. McCracken is unanimously elected. It’s all yours, Captain.
Good luck to you.”
McCracken stood up, stooping to avoid the rock overhead “We’re evacuating
at once. Mrs. Carter, give the baby about another tablespoon of the syrup,
then help Ted. He knows what to do. You’ll follow Ted. Then Jerry, Margie,
you are next. I’ll assign the others presently. Once out of the canyon,
spread out and go it alone. Rendezvous at dusk, same place as under Captain
Morgan’s withdrawal plan — the cave.” He paused. Morgan caught his eye and
motioned him over. “That’s all until Ted and the baby are ready to leave.
Now back away and give Captain Morgan a little air.”
When they had withdrawn McCracken leaned over Morgan the better to hear his
weak words. “Don’t be too sure ,you’ve seen the last of me, Captain. I
might join up in a few days.”
“You might at that. I’m going to leave you bundled up warm and plenty of
water within reach. I’ll leave you some pills, too — that’ll give you some
comfort and ease. Only half a pill for you — they’re intended for cows.” He
grinned at his patient.
“Half a pill it is. Why not let Dad handle the evacuation? He’ll make you a
good deputy — and I’d like to talk with you until you leave.”
“Right.” He called Carter over, instructed him, and turned back to Morgan.
“After you join up with Powell’s outfit,” whispered Morgan, “your first job
is to get into touch with Brockman. Better get Mrs. Carter started right