Then we struck off through the night,
Right across the storm-swept prairie,
Till the East was streaked with light.


14

I was faint and sick and dizzy,
From my shattered, bleeding hand,
And it seemed as if the jolting
Gave me more than I could stand.
Once I reeled, and would have fallen,
If you hadn't held me there;
Put your dear arm tight around me,
Whispered, "Billy, don't you care."
Then you headed straight for water,
Threw the lines, dismounted first,
Smoothed the grass down for my pillow,
While the hosses quenched their thirst.
Then you bathed my throbbing forehead,--
Love and healing in the touch,--
Sayin', "Billy, pardner, listen:
That there shootin' wasn't much!"


15

From your skirt you tore a piece out,
Dressed my wounds so neat and quick,
That I felt the Lord had sent you