“Well, it couldn’t be helped. You see, there are many more lynxes to be had, but there is only one Moze. One or the other had to go, and I guess we know whose side to fight on. Don’t we, ‘old spit-fire’?” and Bill patted Moze affectionately.
By the thumping of his tail on the floor, the boys knew the hound understood this compliment to his valor, and was well content with the way things had turned out.
XV
BILL CAPTURES A PRIZE
The boys had been with Bill for some weeks when George took out his diary. He was obliged to count back to learn the exact date; and when he had done so, he uttered a long whistle of astonishment.
“What is the matter?” inquired Ed.
“Why, we are due at Ben’s the day after to-morrow, and, by ginger, the day after that will be Christmas!”
“Good gracious, how the time has flown!” said Ed.
Bill was strangely silent, and the boys watched him as he sat playfully tickling Moze.
“Of course, if you can’t take us back then, why, I guess we could stay here another day; only we promised Ben,” explained Ed, thinking that perhaps their sudden decision had interfered with the plans of the old trapper.