noon
But the heart was still beating vigorously and there was a very perceptible pulse . A rider was dispatched instantly to the nearest ranch , some two miles away , for a conveyance , returning quickly with a buckboard . A rude stretcher was improvised , on which Douglass was tenderly carried to the head of the trail , and with his head in Constance 's lap he was carefully but quickly driven to the hotel . A dozen riders were soon scouring the suburbs for the doctor , who was out making his round of daily calls , and just at noon he came riding post-haste . As it most fortunately happened , he was a practitioner of ability and experience , having filled for years the responsible position of operating surgeon in one of the East 's most famous hospitals . `` It 's an extra thousand on the side from me if you save him , Doc , '' said Ballard earnestly . `` Do n't you let my pard die ! ''