Again she had caught more than he.
He laughed delightedly. “From this moment you are appointed Fish-wife Extraordinary. I fish no more. When my cartridges are used I’ll have nothing to do but sit by the fire.”
“Did you find your trail?” she asked anxiously.
“I followed it for a mile or so. I’m afraid I’ll have to start early to-morrow. I want to see you comfortable first.”
His manner was practical, but she did not fail to catch the note of uncertainty in his voice. She bent her gaze on the ground, and spoke slowly.
“You’re very kind to try to keep me in ignorance, but I think I understand now. We will be here a long time.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean that. I don’t think that,” cheerfully. “If I were more experienced, I would promise to find my own guide to-morrow. I’m going to do the best I can. I won’t come back here until I have to acknowledge myself beaten. Meanwhile, many things may happen. Your people will surely——”
“We are lost, both of us—hopelessly,” she persisted. “The fish strike here as though these streams had never been fished before. My people will find me, if they can; if they can’t—I—I—must make the best of my position.”
She spoke bravely, but there was a catch in her voice that he had heard before.
“I’ll do the best I can. I want you to believe that. Three or four days at the most and I’m sure I can promise you——”