Doc Burrage smoothed the poultice over Teddy's arm and sat back to admire his work. "That ought to draw what's left of the poison out and take down the swelling, but I'm afraid you're going to be laid up for a spell."
Luke and Mark exchanged a look, then the boy said, "That's all right, Doc. Pa and me can take care of him."
His father nodded in approval. "Mark, I'm going to go out and look for Teddy's horse. Can you give me some idea where I should start?"
"Well, I found Teddy by that bend in the road next to the little creek. You know the place where we always stop to fill our canteens?"
"He probably hasn't gone too far." Luke headed for the door. "You get supper started and with a little luck I'll be back before you're done cooking."
He returned leading a bright bay horse. Mark was standing in the door watching for his father, and he ran out as Luke rode in. "I'll take him, Pa. There's coffee on the table and the beef stew is almost done."
"You're being very helpful," said Luke suspiciously. "Are you trying to get out of washing the dishes tonight?"
Mark looked sheepish. "Not exactly. I just was hoping you might do the dishes so I could talk to Teddy some more. Pa, he comes all the way from New York City! And he knows so much about animals. He told me when he was seven years old he saw a dead seal at a market and he took the head home and he learned how to do taxi-something…"
"Taxidermy?"
"That's it. He has his own museum! And he knows a lot about bugs."
Luke regarded Mark with a grave expression. "Well, son, if you're that interested in expanding your mind, I suppose you could talk to Teddy all you want after supper." The boy's face lit up and his father said firmly, "After you do the dishes."
"Oh, Pa…" Mark looked annoyed.
His father tapped his hat. "You make any biscuits to go with the beef stew?"
"Don't I always?"
They went inside and Mark put the food on the table while Luke carried Teddy to the sofa. The young man's arm was already less swollen and he smiled brightly. "I'm not sure how much I can eat but it all smells wonderful!"