"'Tis a long cruise from th' Big Hill trail unless he were needing somethin'," suggested Tom, taking his seat at the table.
"Aye," assented Richard, "an' I'm thinkin' th' lad'll not be wantin' t' lose th' time 'twill take t' come out. He'll be biding inside t' make th' most o' th' huntin', an' th' fur be plenty."
"That un will," agreed Tom, "an' 'twould not be wise for un t' be losin' a good three weeks o' huntin'. Bob's a workin' lad, an' I'm not thinkin' you'll see he till open water comes."
"Oh," broke in Emily, "an' don't un really think Bob's t' come? I been wishin' so for un, an' 'twould be grand t' have he come while Bessie's here."
"Bessie's thinkin' 'twould too," said Tom, who could not let pass an opportunity to tease his daughter.
They all looked at Bessie, who blushed furiously, but said nothing, realizing that silence was the best means of diverting her father's attention from the subject, and preventing his further remarks.
"Well I'll have t' be goin'," said Tom presently, pushing back from the table.
"Oh, sit down, man, an' bide a bit. There's nothin' t' take un back so soon. Bide here th' night, can't un?" urged Richard.
"I were sayin' t' Mr. MacDonald as I'd be back t' th' post th' day, so promisin' I has t' go."
"Aye, an' un promised, though I were hopin' t' have un bide th' night."