CHAPTER XIX
THE RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL
"What ye moonin' 'bout?" demanded Joe Shafto, giving Nora Wingate a prod with a long bony finger.
"I am worrying about Mr. Wingate, Mrs. Shafto. He was to have been back in two days, and here it is nearly two weeks since he and the Indian went away."
"Indians is all varmints, anyway, but don't ye worry 'bout that man of yers. Ain't worth it. None of 'em is."
"Don't you say that about my Hippy," rebuked Nora indignantly. "I love my husband, just as you loved yours."
The forest woman laughed harshly.
"Ain't no such thing as love. A man's just a man, kind of handy to do the chores and bring home the venison. Henry's worth a whole pack of husbands, and I kin wallop Henry when he don't mind. Best thing 'bout Henry is that he can't jaw back at me."
"He can growl at you, can't he?" returned Nora, laughing in spite of her worry.