"Sir Alurde!"
Meg laughed at this sally. They were getting very friendly, much to Dan's delight. All at once, as though recollecting herself, she ceased laughing and made as if to go. Dan stepped eagerly forward.
"Let me carry your gun, Meg."
"What for? I can carry it myself," she replied bluntly.
"I would rather relieve you of the burden."
"Very well, Dan. Take those other two rabbits; but I'll carry my own gun, thank you. What queer ideas you have! Just like those of Miss Linisfarne."
"Does she carry your burdens?" asked Dan, gravely.
They were now walking down the winding road to the village.
"I should think not," replied Meg, laughing at the bare idea. "But you have the same manners as she has."
"Is that a compliment?"