“We’ve got p-p-plenty of bedding to fix up a bed for you, Motu,” says Mark. “Come on and pick out your bedroom.”
“Many thanks. Of the bedding I shall borrow some blankets, but the bedroom—it is best, I think, that I should sleep where I have slept.”
“L-look here,” says Mark, “if you’re afraid somebody’ll see you—”
Motu held up his hand. “What is best for me I know. If you do not want me here I will go away.”
“Don’t go gettin’ on your high horse, now. We’re glad to have you, and we’re not tryin’ to p-p-pry into your business. Sleep where you want to.”
“It’s too nice a day to waste in the house,” says I. “I’m goin’ outdoors and find somethin’ to do.”
“Let’s explore,” says Binney.
“Good,” says Mark. “P-pretend we’re the first white men that ever got here to this lake. We want to settle here, but we dassen’t till we know the l-lay of the l-l-land. Best way is to divide. One party go one way, the other party go the other, till we meet. How’s that?”
“Fine,” says I. “Calc’late we’ll meet any savages?”
“It’s Injun country. Most likely they c-come here to fish and hunt. We want to go pretty cautious.”