The group sat expectantly and witnessed the approach of John Ermine on his horse. At some distance to one side rode Wolf-Voice, and gradually through the dusk they made out some small animal between them—a dog-like thing.
The riders drew up before the Searleses' hut, and every one rose. The object was a scared and demoralized wolf with his tail between his legs. His neck was encircled by two rawhide lariats which ran to the pommels of the riders.
Touching his hat, Ermine said, "Miss Searles, I have brought you the wolf."
"Goodness gracious, Mr. Ermine! I only said that in fun. What can I possibly do with a wolf?"
"I don't know. You said you wanted one, so here he is."
"Yaes," said Wolf-Voice, with an oath, "she was bite my harm hoff; you no want heem; I skin her alive." He had previously warned Ermine that no one but a d—— fool would want a live wolf.
"Well, daughter, what are you going to do with it? Start a Zoo? I don't know where we can put him," spoke Major Searles, in perplexity.
"He will have to roost high if the dogs find out about this visitation," observed Shockley.
"How did you get him, Ermine?"