“Where’s your line an’ hooks?” asked Dave.
“I keep them in a hollow tree by the lake,” said Miranda. “But don’t you go to take that thing along, or you don’t go with me!” she added sharply, as the young man picked up his rifle.
He set it down again with alacrity.
“But at night, Mirandy!” he protested. “Air ye sure it’s safe?”
“Don’t come if you’re afraid!” she answered witheringly, stepping out into the white light and the coldly pungent air.
Dave was at her side in a moment, ignoring a taunt which could touch him least among men. At Miranda’s other side was the great lumbering form of Kroof, with the girl’s hand resting lovingly on her neck.
“We’ll not be long, mother,” called Miranda to Kirstie, in the doorway.
But before they had gone twenty paces, Kroof stopped short, and sat down to deliberate. She regarded it as her own peculiar office to protect Miranda (who needed no protection) on these nocturnal expeditions to which the girl was given in some moods. Was the obnoxious stranger to usurp her office and her privilege? Well, she would not share with him. She would stay where she was needed.
“Come along, Kroof!” urged Miranda, with a little tug at her fur. But the jealous bear was obstinate. She wheeled and made for the cabin door.
Miranda was irritated.