“I know it.”
“Besides, you show the most abject cowardice whenever courage is called for. Why not be like Mr. White, afraid of nothing?”
“I suppose Ham’s a hero, eh?”
“Yes, you know he is,” agreed Emma, her face relaxing into a happy smile.
“Well, he didn’t do anything to save Elfreda’s life, did he?”
“Perhaps not directly. Indirectly he did.”
“Then I am the heroest hero of the two. Elfreda, didn’t I save your life—directly—when that bandit was shooting at—” Stacy checked himself. “I leave it to this honorable bunch if I am not entitled to the cross of war with all the palms on it that the old thing will hold. I demand a rising vote.”
All except Emma got up, and all were laughing heartily.
“Carried! We will now proceed to replenish the coal bin,” announced Stacy, resuming his breakfast.
Emma had nothing further to say to him, though Stacy regarded her with large, soulful eyes during most of the meal. Following breakfast, the men of the party broke camp and rolled the packs, and in a very short time they were on their way.