"I think," he added, "you better toss for it. I daresay you are all burning to come."
Duncan and Conal smiled and nodded, but Frank shook his head.
"I expect," he said, "there will be precious little burning high up yonder unless you happen to take a header into the crater. I'm not going to get frozen, I can assure you. I want to stick to all my toes, so toss away if you like, sir. Perhaps an Irishman or two might suit you best."
"Why, Frank?" said Duncan.
"Why? Because they're all fond of a drop of the crater (crayture), don't you see?"
"How could you make so vile a pun, old Frank?"
Vike seemed to know that an expedition of some kind was being got up. He put one great paw on Duncan's knee and looked appealingly up into his face.
"You might want my assistance," he seemed to say.
"No, doggie, no, not this journey," said Duncan, smoothing his bonnie head.
So Vike lay down before the fire, heaving a deep sigh as he did so.