Not a word about the remarkable tribute to his looks and wisdom, or anything about the high position they had placed him in. He was still plain Bumper when with his own family.
“O Bumper,” exclaimed Fuzzy Wuzz, “I was so afraid—afraid—”
“Afraid! Afraid of what, Fuzzy Wuzz?” he asked in surprise when she stopped.
Instead of answering directly, she laughed, and said:
“Oh, nothing! I meant I’m so happy!”
“Then I am too. Whatever makes you happy I like.”
But while he smiled into her meek brown eyes, he happened to catch a glimpse of Spotted Tail crouching in a corner, looking so miserable and forlorn that his heart smote him.
He left Fuzzy Wuzz, and hopped directly over to him. “Spotted Tail,” he said, “will you be my friend?”
A look of surprise and wonder came into the sad eyes of the other, and for a moment he could not understand just what Bumper was asking.
“I don’t understand,” he stammered in confusion. “Oh, you mean will I promise never to betray you again? Yes, yes, I promise that, Bumper—promise never to speak ill of you again.”