Vane's eyes twinkled.
"If he came in any particular capacity, it's as bear-leader. You see, there are a good many things I've forgotten in the bush, and, as I left this country young, there are no doubt some that I never learned."
"And so you make Mr. Carroll your confidential adviser. How did he gain the necessary experience?"
"That is more than I can tell you; but I'm inclined to believe he has been at one of the universities—Toronto, most likely. Anyhow, on the whole he acts as a judicious restraint."
"But don't you really know anything about him?"
"Only what some years of close companionship have taught me, though I think that's enough. For the rest, I took him on trust."
Evelyn looked surprised, and he spread out his hands in a humorous manner.
"A good many people have had to take me in that way, and they seemed willing to do so—the thing's not uncommon in the West. Why should I be more particular than they were?"
Just then Mabel and Carroll appeared. The latter's garments were stained in places, as if he had been scrambling over mossy rocks, and his pockets bulged. Mabel's skirt was torn, while a patch of white skin showed through her stocking.
"We've found some sun-dew and two ferns I don't know, as well as all sorts of other things," she announced.