The angrier he got the harder Bela was obliged to laugh. It had an apologetic ring, but the tears rolled down her cheeks.
Sam began to think she had done it on purpose, and said so.
"No! No!" gasped Bela. She pointed across the creek. "Shallow there. You can step in easy."
Sam, full of dignity, waded out and started home.
Bela was suddenly sobered. "Wait!" she cried. "Ain't you comin' wit' me?"
He affected not to hear her.
"I sorry I laugh," she said, genuinely distressed. "But—but you look so fonny!" The unruly laughter threatened to escape her again. "Please come back, Sam."
"I can't come like this, can I?" he said scornfully.
"Sure!" she said. "I mak' good fire. You soon dry off."
He gradually allowed himself to be persuaded. Finally, with dignity somewhat marred by his bedraggled appearance, he took his place very gingerly in the bow. Bela bit her lips to keep the laughter in.