Bobbie hung his head and then said softly:
"Bobbie hae found a mither."
The call was prolonged in order to get Bobbie into a staying frame of mind. At last they spied Robert Duncan approaching his shack, when Kenneth stepped over to tell him of Bobbie's decision and afternoon experience. At first the man smiled, then the tears trickled down his face.
"Puir bairn, puir bairn," he said, huskily. Kenneth laid a kindly hand on his shoulder. He knew that Duncan was disheartened, and had spent much time, lately, in the saloons.
"Come," he said. "Come get the little chap. It is evident he misses his mother."
"Yes, he misses her, an' I miss her. I'll gie mair time tae him."
So saying, he accompanied Kenneth to the Carmichael home and soon Bobbie was in his father's arms.
The call of Kenneth and Esther drew to a close.
As the two walked briskly toward the camp, Esther Bright paused from time to time to draw in great breaths of air, and to drink in the glory of the world about her.
"Come," her companion said, "we shall be late to dinner. Did you know I am invited to dine with the Claytons to-night?"