“Well, of course, when there’s something important——” began Jo Ann.
“We understand, Jo,” smiled Mrs. Blackwell.
CHAPTER VI
A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT
As soon as they had finished eating and the girls had stacked the dishes and carried them to the kitchen, Jo Ann turned to Florence. “Now get out of here, young lady. I told you I was going to wash the dishes. You go and write that letter to your father.”
She caught Florence by the shoulders and playfully pushed her out of the kitchen and across the yard.
“Peg, I might let you wipe the dishes if you’ll promise to be good,” she told her as she returned to the kitchen.
“That’s really quite considerate of you, my dear,” smilingly retorted Peggy. “I appreciate the honor very much.”
Gay chatter accompanied the rattle and clatter of dishes as the two girls made quick work of their dishwashing. As they worked, their conversation drifted back to the subject of the bear and the pigs.
“I can’t imagine living out in a wild, lonesome place like this and not owning a gun, can you, Peg?” asked Jo Ann. Without waiting for an answer she went on: “It’d be a shame to let that old bear come back and get the rest of those pigs when we have a gun and know how to shoot it. I’m going down there this afternoon and look the place over. If I can find a ledge or some place where I can be practically out of danger, I’m going to give Mr. Bear a warmer reception than he’s looking for.”
“I’m not very keen about a bear hunt myself, but if you go, I’m going with you. I have my doubts about Mrs. Blackwell’s letting us go, though.”