Kaviak, recalled from internal communing, studied "Farva" a moment, and then retreated to the cricket, as to a haven now, hastily and with misgiving, tripping over his trailing coat. Mac stood up.
"Wait, old man." The Colonel stooped his big body till he was on a level with the staring round eyes. "Yo' see, child, yo' can't have any dinnah till we find out who took the syrup."
The little yellow face was very serious. He turned and looked at the still smoking plenty-bowl.
"Are yoh hungry?"
He nodded, got up briskly, held up his train, and dragged his high stool to the table, scrambled up, and established himself.
"Look at that!" said the Colonel triumphantly. "That youngster hasn't just eaten a pint o' syrup."
Mac was coming slowly up behind Kaviak with a face that nobody liked looking at.
"Oh, let the brat alone, and let's get to our grub!" said Potts, with an extreme nervous irritation.
Mac swept Kaviak off the stool. "You come with me!"
Only one person spoke after that till the meal was nearly done. That one had said, "Yes, Farva," and followed Mac, dinnerless, out to the Little Cabin.