"It hasn't come to giving him back yet," evaded Daphne.
But on the very Saturday after the Surprise Tree party the question cropped up. Captain Harper had come over to Walden to fulfil a promise of making a fresh door for one of the chicken coops. He had taken possession of the carpentry room in the cottage, and was working away at the joiner's bench. Daphne held the wire steady, and Avelyn—with a strong sense that she was not wanted—handed the nails. Jimmy lay at his ease upon the shavings and yawned. His attitude of complete comfort attracted attention.
"If you're really sent back to Starbury next month you'll have to take him with you," commented Daphne.
"I never take back a present I've once given," answered the Captain firmly. "We've argued that out before."
"But for Jimmy's sake? He loves you far the best still. I'm only a makeshift."
"I assure you he doesn't."
"Then how can we tell his preference?"
"Let him decide for himself. You stand over there and I'll stand here, and we'll both call him at once and see which he runs to."
Poor Jimmy, a much-perplexed and agitated dog, rose from his bed of shavings and remained in the middle of the floor, whimpering and looking with indecision towards the master who had brought him up from puppyhood, and the sweet young mistress who had won his heart. Then he made a rush towards the former, and, seizing him by the trouser, hauled him across the room in the direction of Daphne.
"Jimmy has solved the matter!" said Captain Harper. "He wants us both to own him!"