Then, seeing their impatience, he told them of Sunnysides’ final escape, and of all the events that followed––as much as was good for them to know.
“But where’s Pete?” asked Craven.
“He went to Huntington’s with Miss Gaylord. He’ll be along soon.”
“Well, jest wait till we git our hands on that damned Indian!” cried Bill. “Eh, men?”
It was evident that there would be a considerable disturbance in the barn on Pete’s arrival.
A few minutes later Haig had his surprise. On entering the cottage he first encountered Slim Jim in the outer room. Perhaps Jim’s face turned a trifle yellower, perhaps his thin legs trembled a little under the sky-blue trousers; but that was about all, except the light that flickered an instant in his eyes.
“Glad you back!” he said simply. “Want supper?”
“Want supper! Why, you scrawny, evil-eyed heathen! Want supper! I want everything you’ve got to eat, and everything you haven’t got, and don’t you tell me there’s ’vellee lil’ either, or I’ll break every bone in your body. And be quick about it too!”
Jim hurried into the kitchen with so much of a departure from his oriental poise that the first pan he picked up fell to the floor with a clatter. That was the most eloquent testimonial he could have given, unless it was the supper that was ready for Haig in an hour––and no “velle lil” supper at that––to his participation in the general rejoicing.