"You would, would you? You'd be ugly, eh?"
It was Stenson's voice, and undoubtedly he had met with the bear!
"Come on, Da. Smart. We must get off. Thank God for the evening, and thank God for the bear!"
Nell laughed suddenly, a low, jerky laugh.
"Who'd have thought it?" said David. That was all. He was feeling the least bit guilty, because Nell had really wanted to go on. However, there it was--and thank God for the bear!
It took a very few minutes to clear out. The bundles were done up in double-quick time, and the rest was ready.
"Now then," said Nell, "and, Da, hold Robin; whatever happens he mustn't go."
David, strapping on snowshoes, agreed quickly, then he said:
"It's bad luck his finding the place warm and the stove still alight. It's a complete give-away."
"He won't find anything, unless he blows the door out. I've locked it and I've got the key," answered Nell grimly. "There's another shot! He's still busy. What a mercy it is getting really dark!"