“He has swollen glands, feverish, his throat is inflamed, and there is a sweetish odor. Ruth is right!” Daniel declared, annoyed at himself for not believing her immediately. “It’s diphtheria, Alistair.”
“Diphtheria?” Alistair looked bewildered. “Here in Cheyenne?”
“Come see for yourself.” Daniel lifted his head and peered at Alistair beneath raised eyebrows. He stepped to one side to make space for Alistair to examine Richard’s throat.
“Hmm, yes,” Alistair murmured, his brow knitted in a frown. “I do see something unusual here.”
“Please be careful,” Ruth urged,” Ruth urged, and Daniel saw her slump into an oak armchair. “It’s very contagious and spreads easily through coughing and sneezing—”
“Aah!” Alistair brought his head up instantly and stepped back quickly. “He’s been coughing the entire time I’ve been treating him!”
“Then I suggest we wear scarves to mask our faces,” Daniel said, “We have already been exposed to the disease, so no one else is permitted near this patient.”
He noticed the distress on Ruth’s face and resisted the urge to take her into his arms and comfort her.
Daniel bent down and placed his hand on the arm of the chair. “Ruth, your father died from this disease, am I correct?” his voice was kind and she responded with a small nod, her eyes moist at the memory, but she was calm.
“What treatment was given to him?” Daniel pressed.
“This is absurd, Daniel!” Alistair burst out in annoyance. “She is not a doctor. We—”
“Ruthknowswhat she is talking about. Her father suffered the same fate, which led to his death.” Daniel stood and looked at Alistair with a glowering stare. “This far west we have been safe from serious outbreaks. Would you have been able pick up this diagnosis?” he challenged Alistair without hesitation.
Alistair huffed irritably and glanced at Ruth. “It’s mere conjecture or coincidence; she got lucky,” he stated flatly.
“Alistair, there is no time to waste!” Daniel felt frustration consume him. “We can’t stand here and argue about this all day.”
“Fine!” Alistair’s lips pursed in disapproval. “I’ll proceed with whatever is necessary. I am a professional, after all.”
Daniel closed his eyes and sighed gustily. He glanced at Richard, whose chest strained at every breath.
“Ruth,” Daniel repeated gently, “what treatment was given to your father?”
At first her eyes looked glassy, and she swallowed before answering, her tone composed. “Willow bark tea was the best for his fever, the air must be kept moist at sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit …” Ruth paused and took in a deep breath, considering. “I kept a kettle on the stove to simmer at all times. We had him gargle with five grains of chlorate potassium solution three times a day, and lime water helps, too. His throat was sprayed and rinsed with cool water, and he sucked on small pieces of ice when he got thirsty. He was given a small dose of whiskey to ease his sore throat and ice packs helped when his throat became swollen. His sheets were also changed regularly.”
“Thank you, Ruth,” Daniel knew that recounting that information was painful for her and his heart ached with sympathy. Memories Memories of his father flooded his mind and knew he reacted badly at that time. He admired her self-control and felt a rush of compassion for her composure in recalling her father’s illness.
Daniel looked at Alistair, who nodded in understanding to prepare what they’d need to treat Richard’s illness. Alistair headed for his laboratory to gather necessary supplies.
Daniel turned to Ruth, “I want you to take Matthew home to Elizabeth and return as soon as you can. Explain the situation to Robert and ask him to get his brother, Carl, to take you back to the ranch.
“Spark is a strong, well-behaved horse,” Daniel continued, “Ask Jimmy to hitch him to the small carriage, and ride back with Carl to the clinic.”
Ruth gave a small nod as she stood from the chair and drew in a deep breath, “Alright, I’ll get back as soon as I can.”
She turned to leave and without thought Daniel reached out, which took her by surprise, and he said, “Please tell Rose to keep the stoves filled with enough coal and to bring a kettle filled with hot water,” he paused for a moment. “Try not to worry, Ruth. We’ll do our very best for Richard.”
Her mouth drooped and her eyes were brimmed with unshed tears, “I pray so,” she answered.
Daniel watched her leave, listening to her light steps until she reached the stairs. He turned back to Richard and pulled a chair up to the bedside. His eyes ached with emotion, and he closed them, praying.
“Lord Jesus,” he whispered, “Richard is a good man. Please help us find a way to heal him.”
Daniel opened his eyes as he heard Alistair’s footsteps return to the ward. He entered cautiously, holding a large bowl and filled it with a solution of chlorate potassium. Placing it on a nearby trolley, together they began to treat Richard as Ruth advised. Rose brought up a kettle of water, leaving it outside the room so as not to expose herself to the illness. Daniel instructed her to keep a pot continuously topped off and boiling on the stove.
Daniel covered his nose and mouth with a scarf and insisted that Alistair do the same. “I’ve been thinking, Alistair,” Daniel said, using a swab to wash the back of Richard’s throat. “We need to inform the mayor about this. He may want to close the schools, and possibly quarantine the town. Laramie County Memorial Hospital will also need to be informed.”
“Have you gone mad?” Alistair was incredulous. “I agree Ruth is a brilliant woman, but she is not a doctor.”
