Fired Up by Mary Connealy Read Free Book Online Page B

that covered his face, neck, and hands. Looking up, he saw that no one had backed away, except he didn’t like what he saw in Luke’s eyes.
    â€œHave you had measles?” Dare asked.
    Luke shook his head. “People get them all the time and they get over ’em fine.”
    â€œTrue enough. But not Indians. This might be deadly for an Indian. You’d likely survive it, but there’s no sense spending time sick if you don’t need to.”
    Luke nodded, then looked at Ruthy and got to his feet. “We should go inside.”
    â€œI’ve had measles,” Ruthy said. She stepped up to Luke’s side. “I had them twice as a child, as a matter of fact. I was told there are two different kinds, and I’ve had them both.”
    â€œGet Luke out of here, Ruthy. And have him wash his hands in hot water with lye soap.” Dare looked between the two, and finally, with Ruthy almost dragging Luke, they headed back to the house.
    Dodger turned from talking with his cowpokes. “We’ve all had measles. There’s not a man here who’s been spared. We can help however you need us, Doc.”
    â€œI’ve had them and so have both of my children.” Glynna came and knelt across from Dare.
    Luke stopped and spun around before he’d gone too far. “I remember the Kiowa boys I played with when I was young talking about a disease going through their tribe. It was before my friends were born, and before my family moved here. Pa said later that from the description, it sounded like cholera. Some said it nearly wiped out the whole Kiowa and Comanche nations. Measles aren’t like that, are they? Not when so many here had them and survived.”
    â€œMeasles aren’t usually serious for whites, but they can devastate an Indian tribe.”
    â€œThat makes no sense.” Luke looked again at the man, who was now lying faceup. “Red Wolf?” He took a step toward the man, but then Ruthy grabbed his arm and held him back.
    â€œYou know him?” Dare asked.
    â€œI think so,” Luke said. “I recognize that scar on his arm.” He then pulled his sleeve back to reveal a similar scar on the underside of his forearm. “We were blood brothers along with Gil Foster. We cut a little deep and ended up with matching scars. I haven’t seen him since before the war, but this is Red Wolf, I’m sure of it.” When Luke spoke the name a second time, the man’s eyes fluttered open. “Red Wolf, is that you?”
    â€œI h-heard you come home, Luke Stone. My . . . my tribe is dying of these red spots. I h-hope for help. My tribe, many are sick . . . some dead.” Then the man’s eyes fell shut again and he lapsed back into unconsciousness.
    â€œGet out of here, Luke,” Dare ordered. “You’re no good to me if you’re sick, too. We’ll take care of Red Wolf and see what his people need.”
    Dare looked at Luke until finally Luke managed to tear his gaze from Red Wolf.
    â€œThere are other ways to help without getting too close,” Dare added. “I’ve got a little willow bark in my bag, but I’m going to need more—what I’ve got in my office back in Broken Wheel and all they’ve got at the general store. I ordered more, and it might be in. I’ll have to make a poultice, and there are a couple of books I’ll need, and . . . well, I’ll write it all down. Ruthy, get me a paper and ink, then get some water to boiling. I can make one poultice with supplies I have in my bag, enough for Red Wolf but not for a whole tribe. Luke, you can get to town in half the time if you ride instead of taking the wagon. But I’ll need enough things that you should take a pack animal.”
    Ruthy turned and rushed for the house. Dare regretted making her run. Probably he should tell her about her condition before she set to work saving the whole Kiowa