30 The others worked swiftly with Nameless Fox. They notched one end of two of the long poles, and attached them to Big Fellow's harness, one on each side. Then, they cut another pole into four equal pieces, notched them, and latched them to the poles in Big Fellow's harness.
31 Then they laid the heavy grass mats on top of this, and lashed them down. They then stood back and examined their efforts.
32 "I think it's going to work," announced Nameless Fox. "We'll tie rope to Lady's harness and attach it to Big Fellow's. They'll be able to pull together. Now, how do we get her on it?"
33 Swift Fox went over to Nosy. There's only one way," he said, "somehow we've got to lift her, turn her around, and put her on it, no matter what it takes."
34 Nameless Fox nodded. He knew with his bad leg he would be useless. He called out the biggest men in the village. This would be a job for the strongest.
35 "Try to keep her legs up," he cautioned, "and be easy as you can on her forelegs."
36 The men gathered around the dog, got their arms under her, and lifted. They were breathless when she finally lay on the litter, but they had done it!
37 "Go, Big Fellow! Go, Lady!" Nameless Fox shouted, and they moved out. Hands grabbed ahold of the harness and, the ropes, and pulled and pushed on the litter until it moved.
38 At the end of the column Bashful stopped and stared at the pig laying by the side of the trail. With a deep growl he gave the animal a vicious whack, driving it into the brush, then trotted after the others.
39 There was one brook which a bridge had not yet been built over. The bottom was muddy and they had some difficulty passing. But aside from that, they made good time to the village.
40 Now, Nosy's shelter was at Gray Crow's house, but they decided for now she'd better go and stay in Big Fellow's and Lady's shelter.
41 The women and children were gathered at the gate, and some of them wept when they saw Nosy brought through the gate. Getting her off the litter was as difficult as getting her on!
42 But the men who had done it before insisted on doing it again. "We've got the knack," they argued.
43 Soon they made the dog as comfortable as they could. One of The Brothers came with fresh dressings and they re-bandaged her face. Then, they could only wait for the Healer.
44 He rode into the village early that evening, with Brother Bear. They quickly washed, got into their white gowns, and went to work. After some time Brother Bear came in.
45 "Her face isn't as bad as it looks," he announced, "we can save the eye and it should still function. We can fix the ear so it looks quite normal, but we won't be able to restore her hearing.
46 The wound in her side was made by a broken limb. It was still in there! But we're sure we got it all out. The broken leg we can fix. It's a good, clean break. But the forepaw...there's just nothing we can do. It has to go!"
47 Nameless Fox nodded. "Do what you must," he agreed.
48 The good Brother returned to his work. Many hours later the two men entered, washed, put on their traveling robes. "We've done all we can," said The Old Healer, "we had to keep her asleep for an awful long time! She started to wake up on us twice. We're going to have to give her large doses of medicine and watch those wounds constantly. If we can fight off infection, she should make it."
49 You know, it's incredible," he continued, "the other dogs laid there the whole time we worked, even that wild one, without a sound. They seem to put so very much trust in us! And I worry sometimes if it's justified. Sometimes I don't know if I'm giving her enough medicine to help her, or, if I'm giving her too much and killing her.
50 We are learning by trial and error, and I pray I don't make any mistakes."
51 "You're doing the best you can," answered Nameless Fox, "no man can ask more. What you learn will help countless generations to come. Be proud, my friend, and do not worry."
52 The Healer touched his shoulder. "We'll be at The Brothers' House," he said. "I've got a broken arm to set. That young man refused to let me touch him until I was finished here. I'd better get to it."
53 He departed, and everyone tried to get some sleep. It was early morning when Nameless Fox's son shook him. "Nosy cry," he whispered, "Nosy cry."
54 Nameless Fox rushed outside. Nosy was awake and whimpering, sniffing the bandage of her amputated paw and lapping it. "No, no, girl!" cried Nameless Fox, "Musn't! Leave it be!"
55 She put her head to his chest and continued to whimper. Nameless Fox felt something touch him on his other side, and turned around. Bashful was standing there.
56 Nameless Fox stepped aside and the two dogs began to rub noses and rub the sides of their heads together. Nosy quieted down, then Bashful laid down beside her.
57 There was no question now. They would never be separated again except by death. That was the way of dogs.
58 Nameless Fox fetched the Healer and the old man was pleased with what he saw. The wounds quickly healed. Though Nosy could never bear a rider again, she loved to run with the other dogs and made a good herd dog.
59 And in her twenty years of life she bore many fine puppies, until finally she caught Dog Fever, and went to be with The Lords. There, once again, she ran wildly down the roads with a happy rider on her back, flying like the wind.
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