76 FOUR-FOOTED AMERICANS 



" Let's go home and begin right away," said Dodo. 



" It is high time to go home," said Mr. Bhxke, jump- 

 ing up. '' AVho woukl think it was nearly five o'clock? 

 The sun sets in a hurry these days, and we shall have 

 to ask the moon to escort us, I think. Cold ham and 

 cookies must do for supper." 



" Somebody is coming," said Rap, pointing to the 

 path that wound around the steep, wooded crest, where 

 his quick ears detected a rustling in the dead leaves. 

 At the same time a ginger-colored setter dog came in 

 sight, followed by two sturdy little boys, who, on see- 

 ing strangers, dodged into the cabin like frightened 

 Rabbits. 



'' Tliat's Toinette and the young uns," said Nez. 

 Then added l)y way of apology, '' The young uns don't 

 see many folk and the}^ are skary. Here, Toinette," 

 speaking to a rather pretty, dark-haired, black-eyed 

 young woman, wlio came up carrying a basket on her 

 head, ''make you acquainted with some old tent mates 

 o' mine." 



The woman gravely held out her hand to each with 

 a prett}^ gesture of welcome tliat said more than words. 



" She's half French, you see," explained Nez, " and 

 she isn't much on talkin' American." 



]]ut the moment Mr. Blake spoke to her in the soft 

 slurrino' French of the Canadian woods, slie answered 

 readily, and her face Avas wreathed with smiles. 



"You must brinsi' your wife and children down to 

 visit us, Nez," said the Doctor ; " it will do tliem good 

 to see other young folks." 



"I reckon it Avould. The boys go to school now, 

 over the mountain ; book learnin' is some good even to 



