"
And The Spider, who felt that his strength was going fast, tried to
raise himself on the stretcher. This effort brought the internes to
his side. They lifted him to his feet and shuffled awkwardly through
the doorway.
Swaying between the internes, his shriveled body held upright by a
desperate effort of will, he fought for breath.
Pete raised on his elbow, his dark eyes wide. "Spider!" he exclaimed.
The internes felt The Spider's slackened muscles grow tense as he
endeavored to get closer to the cot. They helped him a step forward.
He pulled his arm free and thrust out his hand. Pete's hand closed on
those limp, clammy fingers.
"I come ahead of time, pardner. Come to see how--you was--gettin'
along." The Spider's arm dropped to his side.
"Take him to the other bed there," said the doctor.
The Spider shook his head. "Just a minute." He nodded toward Pete.
"I want you to do something for me. Go see that party--in letter--fix
you up--he's played square with me--same as you done."
"But who was it--" began Pete.
"Old bunch. Trailed me--too close.
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