"Somebody will take you, Donnie. You are sure to go back to her now."
"But 'ou must tum, too, Malin. 'Ou must go wif Donnie. Will 'ou?"
"I should like to go, dearie. But then you will not want me. You will have your mother to take care of you. You will not need Malin any more."
The thought of going back to Big Glen brought to her no gladness. Why should she go? Why should she leave the wilderness? Would it not be better for her to throw in her lot with the Indians? She shuddered at the thought. If Norman got better he, too, would go away, and then what would life contain for her? What would she do in Big Glen? She had no money, and no friends. People would hear in some way about her. They would shake their heads, and shun her. Donnie's parents would thank her, no doubt, but they would not care to have much to do with a woman about whom there were strange stories.
"Malin."
"Yes, dearie."
"Why do 'ou look dat way, Malin? 'Ou make me 'fraid."
"Do I, darling? I'm sorry," and Madeline gave the boy a closer hug.
"An' 'ou won't leave me, Malin? 'Ou won't let the bad men det me?"
"No, no, Donnie. You are safe with me. So don't be afraid."