Humpy took the answer upon himself. "Eighteen miles, Governor," he said. "We would have stopped at Mooseberry Spring two miles back, but Jack said there was no firewood thereabout. So we're late to-night."
"We have everything, thank you," said Sir Bryson icily. "You needn't wait."
"I don't mind, Governor," said Humpy heartily. "Jack and me ain't going to eat till you are through. I want to make sure you folks gets your fill."
"I think the bannock is very good, Mr. Jull," said Linda wickedly. "The raisins are so nice."
"I had 'em and I thought I might as well put 'em in," said Humpy, highly pleased. "Some finds it hard to make good baking-powder bannock, but it come natural to me. Jack, he baked it for me."
Sir Bryson ceased eating. It was Jack who prevented an explosion. Possibly suspecting what was going on within the tent, he called Humpy. Linda pricked up her ears at the sound.
Humpy ducked for the door. "If there's anything you want don't be afraid to sing out, Governor," he said.
Sir Bryson slowly resumed his normal colour. He made no reference to what had happened except to say severely: "Belinda, I'm surprised at you!"
"Oh! don't be stuffy, father," returned his daughter, inelegantly.
The members of Sir Bryson's suite were accustomed to these little passages.