Carey was carried in and laid on Mrs. Esquint 's bed . The doctor made a brief examination , while Mrs. Joe sat on the floor and howled at the top of her lungs . Then he shook his head . `` Shot in the back , '' he said briefly . `` How long ? '' asked Carey , understanding . `` Perhaps till morning , '' answered the doctor . Mrs. Joe gave a louder howl than ever at this , and Tannis came and stood by the bed . The doctor , knowing that he could do nothing for Carey , hurried into the kitchen to attend to Paul , who had a badly shattered arm , and Marie went with him . Carey looked stupidly at Tannis . `` Send for her , '' he said . Tannis smiled cruelly . `` There is no way . The wires are down , and there is no man at the Flats who will go to town to-night , '' she answered . `` My God , I MUST see her before I die , '' burst out Carey pleadingly . `` Where is Father Gabriel ? HE will go . '' `` The priest went to town last night and has not come back , '' said Tannis . Carey groaned and shut his eyes . If Father Gabriel was away , there was indeed no one to go .
Old Auguste and the doctor could not leave Paul and he knew well that no breed of them all at the Flats would turn out on such a night , even if they were not , one and all , mortally scared of being mixed up in the law and justice that would be sure XXXXX follow the affair .
If at by for in on than that till to