CHAPTER XII
IN THE NORTH WOODS
"Come on, Doc," said Ronald.
"Where?" asked Norton, lazily.
"Across the river, of course; don't you see the mob over there?"
The large yard in front of the Mackenzie house was fairly well filled with people when they arrived. Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie, Forsyth, Chandonnais, Lieutenant and Mrs. Howard, and Mrs. Franklin were standing behind Beatrice, who was painting in water colours. Black Partridge, in all the glory of his feather head-dress and his most gorgeous blanket, was posing for his picture. The chief endeavoured to preserve the appearance of calm, but in reality he was greatly excited.
Doctor Norton and the Lieutenant exchanged cool salutations, and Katherine was scarcely more cordial. All three of them had decided to ignore past events, but there was an element of difficulty in the situation, none the less.
"How do you suppose Birdie can wear a blanket in July?" asked Ronald. "I should think he'd be roasted to a turn."
"It's his best blanket," explained Beatrice, selecting another brush, "and he wants it in his picture."
"I'd rather my clothes would be painted separately on a day like this," murmured Ronald.